Animal Caretaker salary in State College, PA
Animal Caretakers in the State College, PA metro area earn a median of $29,480 a year ($14.18 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,770 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 6% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $31,360. There are 1.4 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $31,640, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in State College, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,040 | $11.08 |
| 25th percentile | $27,690 | $13.31 |
| Median | $29,480 | $14.18 |
| 75th percentile | $36,140 | $17.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,770 | $19.12 |
| Average (mean) | $31,640 | $15.21 |
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 | $2,456.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,228.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,133.85 |
| Weekly | $566.92 |
| Hourly | $14.18 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,480 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,970 | 5,480 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $32,750 | 70 |
| Williamsport, PA | $32,720 | 60 |
| Lancaster, PA | $32,400 | 430 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $32,220 | 700 |
| Lebanon, PA | $32,150 | 60 |
| Reading, PA | $31,320 | 290 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $31,190 | 250 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $30,860 | 2,160 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $30,770 | 510 |
| Erie, PA | $29,780 | 210 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $29,400 | 300 |
| Altoona, PA | $28,670 | 70 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $27,930 | 120 |
| Johnstown, PA | $27,930 | 40 |
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 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in State College, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,540 | $17.57 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,450 | $15.12 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,170 | $20.76 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $22,130 | $10.64 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,000 | $23.56 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $28,100 | $13.51 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,770 | $22.97 |
| Concierge | $37,190 | $17.88 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in State College, PA
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 State College, PA?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the State College, PA metro area is $29,480 a year, or $14.18 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $39,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in State College, PA?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the State College, PA metro area earn at least $39,770 a year. The top 25% earn $36,140 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in State College, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,040 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $27,690 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in State College, PA?
About 100 animal caretakers are employed in the State College, PA metro area, not counting the self-employed.