Animal Caretaker Salary in Alabama (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Animal Caretakers in Alabama, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Alabama Median
$28,330
per year
Hourly Rate
$13.62
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-20% vs US median
US median $35,360
State Rank
#49 of 51
4,100 employed here

How much does an Animal Caretaker make in Alabama?

Animal Caretakers in Alabama take home a median of $28,330 annually — roughly $13.62 an hour — which runs 20% below the national median of $35,360.

Within Alabama, entry-level pay starts around $21,740 while the top 10% make $45,860 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $23,920 and $34,280 a year.

Animal Caretaker salary range in Alabama

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$21,740$10.45
25th percentile (early career)$23,920$11.50
50th percentile (median)$28,330$13.62
75th percentile (experienced)$34,280$16.48
90th percentile (top earners)$45,860$22.05

How Alabama compares

Alabama ranks 49th out of 51 states and territories for Animal Caretaker pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$44,210
2Washington$40,570
3Hawaii$40,130
4Massachusetts$39,650
5California$38,700

Working as an Animal Caretaker in Alabama

Nationally, about 267,000 people work as Animal Caretakers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Alabama pay ($28,330) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Animal Caretaker make in Alabama?
The median Animal Caretaker salary in Alabama is $28,330 per year, or about $13.62 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $21,740 at the entry level to $45,860 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Alabama pay compare to the national average?
Alabama pays Animal Caretakers about 20% less than the national median of $35,360. Alabama ranks 49th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Alabama a good state for Animal Caretakers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $28,330 a year. About 4,100 Animal Caretakers are employed in Alabama. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Alabama?
The highest-paying occupations in Alabama include Cardiologist ($519,480), Dermatologist ($394,550), Anesthesiologist ($392,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Animal Caretaker salary report

Related salaries

Barber

$38,210
median pay · 15,000 employed

Manicurists and Pedicurists

$35,760
median pay · 153,000 employed

First-Line Supervisor of Personal Service Workers

$48,590
median pay · 114,000 employed

Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants

$36,300
median pay · 16,000 employed

Motion Picture Projectionist

$38,270
median pay · 1,000 employed

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

$35,790
median pay · 306,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.