Animal Caretaker salary in Wisconsin
Animal Caretakers in Wisconsin earn a median of $30,160 a year ($14.50 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,720 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,920 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,700 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $35,360. Wisconsin ranks 41st of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $34,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Wisconsin
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,920 | $11.50 |
| 25th percentile | $28,170 | $13.54 |
| Median | $30,160 | $14.50 |
| 75th percentile | $36,850 | $17.71 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| Average (mean) | $34,330 | $16.50 |
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 | $2,513.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,256.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,160 |
| Weekly | $580 |
| Hourly | $14.50 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,160 salary, see how much house you can afford in Wisconsin at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Wisconsin
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $36,780 | 2,760 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $34,900 | 180 |
| Madison, WI | $34,160 | 1,240 |
| Sheboygan, WI | $31,120 | 90 |
| Wausau, WI | $30,430 | 70 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | $30,410 | 160 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | $30,270 | 1,550 |
| Green Bay, WI | $30,190 | 310 |
| Appleton, WI | $30,110 | 230 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | $29,940 | 110 |
| Kenosha, WI | $29,740 | 110 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | $29,520 | 110 |
| Eau Claire, WI | $29,440 | 140 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $28,810 | 70 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $28,780 | 230 |
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 Wisconsin
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $37,140 | $17.86 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,530 | $17.08 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $44,200 | $21.25 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,230 | $17.42 |
| Childcare Worker | $32,460 | $15.61 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,180 | $14.51 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,350 | $22.28 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,680 | $17.63 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,780 | $13.84 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,100 | $23.61 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,690 | $20.04 |
| Skincare Specialist | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $30,160 | $14.50 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $33,280 | $16.00 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Wisconsin is $30,160 a year, or $14.50 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,920 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Wisconsin?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Wisconsin earn at least $47,700 a year. The top 25% earn $36,850 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Wisconsin?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,920 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,170 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Wisconsin?
About 5,720 animal caretakers are employed in Wisconsin, not counting the self-employed.