Tennessee ranks 32nd of 51 states and D.C. for animal caretakers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,400) by $8,600 — a 29% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $23,500 to $38,370 — a $14,870 spread, 32% tighter than the national $21,980 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.5% of all animal caretakers in the country (7,000 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $23,500 | $11.30 |
| 25th percentile | $27,990 | $13.46 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,800 | $14.33 |
| 75th percentile | $34,420 | $16.55 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,370 | $18.45 |
| Mean (average) | $31,750 | $15.27 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $29,800 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,400 | +29% |
| District of Columbia | $37,980 | +27% |
| California | $37,200 | +25% |
| Massachusetts | $36,910 | +24% |
| New York | $36,500 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $36,330 | +22% |
| Maine | $36,310 | +22% |
| Maryland | $35,990 | +21% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | $30,000 | 320 |
| Dishwashers | $29,570 | 8,250 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $30,030 | 1,280 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $30,100 | 19,810 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $29,310 | 11,470 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other | $29,210 | 1,590 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in Tennessee?
The mean animal caretakers salary in Tennessee is $31,750 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,800 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in Tennessee?
Entry-level animal caretakerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $23,500 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,990 per year.
What is the highest Animal Caretakers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $38,370 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $34,420 per year.
How does the Tennessee Animal Caretakers salary compare to the national average?
The median animal caretakers salary in Tennessee is $29,800, which is -11% below national average of $33,470.