Kentucky ranks 41st of 51 states and D.C. for animal caretakers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,400) by $9,030 — a 31% gap.
Animal Caretakers are more concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.95 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.95× the national share.
Kentucky employs roughly 2.5% of all animal caretakers in the country (6,980 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $21,830 | $10.50 |
| 25th percentile | $26,350 | $12.67 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,370 | $14.12 |
| 75th percentile | $35,430 | $17.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,870 | $21.57 |
| Mean (average) | $31,250 | $15.02 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $29,370 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,400 | +31% |
| District of Columbia | $37,980 | +29% |
| California | $37,200 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $36,910 | +26% |
| New York | $36,500 | +24% |
| Connecticut | $36,330 | +24% |
| Maine | $36,310 | +24% |
| Maryland | $35,990 | +23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | $29,450 | 47,680 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $29,470 | 11,020 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $29,220 | 15,580 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $29,120 | 1,020 |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $29,100 | 370 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $29,040 | 3,270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in Kentucky?
The mean animal caretakers salary in Kentucky is $31,250 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,370 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
Entry-level animal caretakerss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $21,830 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $26,350 per year.
What is the highest Animal Caretakers salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $44,870 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,430 per year.
How does the Kentucky Animal Caretakers salary compare to the national average?
The median animal caretakers salary in Kentucky is $29,370, which is -12% below national average of $33,470.