Animal Caretaker salary in West Virginia
Animal Caretakers in West Virginia earn a median of $28,550 a year ($13.73 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,160 workers.
Pay ranges from $22,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,810 for the top 10%. That is 19% lower than the national median of $35,360. West Virginia ranks 48th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.6 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $31,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in West Virginia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,050 | $10.60 |
| 25th percentile | $25,220 | $12.13 |
| Median | $28,550 | $13.73 |
| 75th percentile | $34,400 | $16.54 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,810 | $21.55 |
| Average (mean) | $31,550 | $15.17 |
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 | $2,379.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,189.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,098.08 |
| Weekly | $549.04 |
| Hourly | $13.73 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $28,550 salary, see how much house you can afford in West Virginia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in West Virginia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $37,710 | 6,590 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $32,720 | 180 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $30,470 | 100 |
| Morgantown, WV | $29,890 | 110 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $28,910 | 130 |
| Charleston, WV | $28,360 | 200 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $28,110 | 60 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $28,060 | 180 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $27,850 | 70 |
| Beckley, WV | $27,760 | 50 |
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 West Virginia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Childcare Worker | $27,710 | $13.32 |
| Recreation Worker | $29,710 | $14.28 |
| Residential Advisor | $31,840 | $15.31 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,480 | $16.58 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,230 | $12.13 |
| Gambling Dealer | $25,100 | $12.07 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $36,230 | $17.42 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| Funeral Attendant | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $19,030 | $9.15 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $23,400 | $11.25 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $59,210 | $28.47 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in West Virginia
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 West Virginia?
The median salary for animal caretakers in West Virginia is $28,550 a year, or $13.73 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,050 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in West Virginia?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in West Virginia earn at least $44,810 a year. The top 25% earn $34,400 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in West Virginia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,050 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $25,220 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in West Virginia?
About 1,160 animal caretakers are employed in West Virginia, not counting the self-employed.