Animal Caretaker salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Animal Caretakers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $29,870 a year ($14.36 an hour), based on BLS data for 470 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,010 for the top 10%. That is 16% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 1% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $30,080. There are 5.5 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $31,210, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,090 | $11.10 |
| 25th percentile | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Median | $29,870 | $14.36 |
| 75th percentile | $35,010 | $16.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $35,010 | $16.83 |
| Average (mean) | $31,210 | $15.01 |
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 | $2,489.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,244.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,148.85 |
| Weekly | $574.42 |
| Hourly | $14.36 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,870 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | $38,700 | 190 |
| Iowa City, IA | $33,510 | 300 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $32,980 | 1,280 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $31,200 | 290 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $30,950 | 920 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,880 | 130 |
| Dubuque, IA | $29,420 | 80 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $29,190 | 340 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $27,580 | $13.26 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,400 | $12.69 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $37,960 | $18.25 |
| Recreation Worker | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $37,890 | $18.22 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $21,390 | $10.29 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,950 | $21.13 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,170 | $18.83 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $29,870 a year, or $14.36 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $35,010 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $35,010 a year. The top 25% earn $35,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,090 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $29,430 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 470 animal caretakers are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.