Animal Caretakers Salary in California
Animal Caretakers in California earn a median of $38,700 a year, +9% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $38,700
- vs. U.S. median
- +9% ($35,360)
- Rank among states
- 5 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 25,710
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,640; the top 10% earn over $56,270. Nationally the range is $27,250 to $50,060.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$46,260 median in California
- Embalmers$60,060 median in California
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$42,720 median in California
- Phlebotomists$56,040 median in California
- Animal Trainers$49,060 median in California
- Orderlies$49,920 median in California
Animal Caretakers pay in California
How much do animal caretakers make in California?
The median is $38,700 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,640 and the top 10% earn over $56,270. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for animal caretakers?
On pay alone it ranks 5 of 51 (+9% vs. the national median of $35,360). Living costs are not included.