Animal Caretaker Salary in Colorado (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$37,430
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.00
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+6% vs US median
US median $35,360
State Rank
#8 of 51
6,290 employed here

How much does an Animal Caretaker make in Colorado?

An Animal Caretaker working in Colorado earns a median salary of $37,430 per year, or about $18.00 per hour. That is 6% above the national median of $35,360 for this occupation.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $32,070 while the top 10% make $55,300 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,670 and $43,850 a year.

Animal Caretaker salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$32,070$15.42
25th percentile (early career)$35,670$17.15
50th percentile (median)$37,430$18.00
75th percentile (experienced)$43,850$21.08
90th percentile (top earners)$55,300$26.59

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 8th 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 Colorado

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 Colorado pay ($37,430) 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 Colorado?
The median Animal Caretaker salary in Colorado is $37,430 per year, or about $18.00 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $32,070 at the entry level to $55,300 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Animal Caretakers about 6% more than the national median of $35,360. Colorado ranks 8th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Animal Caretakers?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $37,430 a year. About 6,290 Animal Caretakers are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Animal Caretaker salary report

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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.