Animal Caretaker Salary in New York (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New York Median
$37,840
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.19
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+7% vs US median
US median $35,360
State Rank
#7 of 51
12,470 employed here

How much does an Animal Caretaker make in New York?

An Animal Caretaker working in New York earns a median salary of $37,840 per year, or about $18.19 per hour. That is 7% above the national median of $35,360 for this occupation.

Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $33,800 while the top 10% make $48,740 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,640 and $43,780 a year.

Animal Caretaker salary range in New York

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$33,800$16.25
25th percentile (early career)$35,640$17.13
50th percentile (median)$37,840$18.19
75th percentile (experienced)$43,780$21.05
90th percentile (top earners)$48,740$23.43

How New York compares

New York ranks 7th 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 New York

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 New York pay ($37,840) 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 New York?
The median Animal Caretaker salary in New York is $37,840 per year, or about $18.19 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $33,800 at the entry level to $48,740 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Animal Caretakers about 7% more than the national median of $35,360. New York ranks 7th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Animal Caretakers?
Yes on pay — New York pays above the national median for this occupation, at $37,840 a year. About 12,470 Animal Caretakers are employed in New York. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), 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.