South Dakota ranks 38th of 51 states and D.C. for animal caretakers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,400) by $8,940 — a 30% gap.
Animal Caretakers are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.26 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.26× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $24,100 | $11.59 |
| 25th percentile | $27,460 | $13.20 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,460 | $14.16 |
| 75th percentile | $33,920 | $16.31 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,970 | $21.62 |
| Mean (average) | $32,260 | $15.51 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $29,460 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,400 | +30% |
| District of Columbia | $37,980 | +29% |
| California | $37,200 | +26% |
| Massachusetts | $36,910 | +25% |
| New York | $36,500 | +24% |
| Connecticut | $36,330 | +23% |
| Maine | $36,310 | +23% |
| Maryland | $35,990 | +22% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,470 | 400 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,480 | 14,420 |
| Cashiers | $29,330 | 12,970 |
| Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop | $29,320 | 590 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $29,750 | 1,240 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $29,790 | 1,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in South Dakota?
The mean animal caretakers salary in South Dakota is $32,260 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,460 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in South Dakota?
Entry-level animal caretakerss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $24,100 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,460 per year.
What is the highest Animal Caretakers salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $44,970 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $33,920 per year.
How does the South Dakota Animal Caretakers salary compare to the national average?
The median animal caretakers salary in South Dakota is $29,460, which is -12% below national average of $33,470.