Animal Caretaker salary in South Dakota
Animal Caretakers in South Dakota earn a median of $30,390 a year ($14.61 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,110 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,960 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $35,360. South Dakota ranks 36th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $33,700, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,260 | $13.11 |
| 25th percentile | $28,710 | $13.80 |
| Median | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| 75th percentile | $35,370 | $17.00 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,960 | $21.61 |
| Average (mean) | $33,700 | $16.20 |
Half of animal caretakers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,532.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,266.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,168.85 |
| Weekly | $584.42 |
| Hourly | $14.61 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,390 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $34,300 | 420 |
| Rapid City, SD | $32,090 | 270 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,880 | 130 |
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,210 |
| Washington | $40,570 |
| Hawaii | $40,130 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 |
| California | $38,700 |
| Arizona | $38,180 |
| New York | $37,840 |
| Colorado | $37,430 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 |
| Maine | $37,230 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| Childcare Worker | $27,940 | $13.43 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,730 | $14.29 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $40,070 | $19.26 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $49,800 | $23.94 |
| Recreation Worker | $42,270 | $20.32 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,860 | $23.97 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $45,310 | $21.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| Gambling Dealer | $36,190 | $17.40 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal caretaker make in South Dakota?
The median salary for animal caretakers in South Dakota is $30,390 a year, or $14.61 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,960 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in South Dakota earn at least $44,960 a year. The top 25% earn $35,370 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,260 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,710 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in South Dakota?
About 1,110 animal caretakers are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.