Animal Caretakers Salary in Virginia
Animal Caretakers in Virginia earn a median annual wage of $34,380 —2.8% below the national median of $35,360. That ranks VA #21 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.43× as concentrated as the national average, making Virginia a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. Virginia is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $44,210 | $21.25 | 460 | 0.38 |
| 2 | Washington | $40,570 | $19.51 | 6,620 | 1.09 |
| 3 | Hawaii | $40,130 | $19.29 | 570 | 0.53 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $39,650 | $19.06 | 6,900 | 1.11 |
| 5 | California | $38,700 | $18.60 | 25,710 | 0.82 |
| 6 | Arizona | $38,180 | $18.35 | 6,330 | 1.14 |
| 7 | New York | $37,840 | $18.19 | 12,470 | 0.75 |
| 8 | Colorado | $37,430 | $18.00 | 6,290 | 1.27 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $37,310 | $17.94 | 3,000 | 1.03 |
| 10 | Maine | $37,230 | $17.90 | 1,430 | 1.30 |
Related occupations in Virginia
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Virginia.
| Occupation | Virginia median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $34,330 | $34,980 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,910 | $32,150 |
| Recreation Workers | $36,120 | $36,560 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $40,820 | $47,160 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | — | $35,790 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $35,760 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do animal caretakers make in Virginia?
The median annual wage for animal caretakers in Virginia is $34,380, or $16.53 per hour. That is 2.8% below the national median of $35,360.
What is the entry-level animal caretakers salary in Virginia?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $28,050 per year ($13.49/hour). The 25th percentile is $29,490.
How many people work as animal caretakers in Virginia?
About 10,070 people work in this occupation in Virginia, or 2.5 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Virginia a good state for animal caretakers?
Virginia ranks #21 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.43x as concentrated as the national average, making Virginia a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays animal caretakers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median wage at $44,210 per year, followed by Washington ($40,570) and Hawaii ($40,130).