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Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Bellingham, WA

Animal Caretakers in Bellingham, WA, earn an average annual salary of $40,880, significantly exceeding the national average of $34,470. This higher compensation is often driven by a combination of local demand and the specific needs of the pet care industry within the region, reflecting a robust market for these dedicated professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,880 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,290.
  • Outlook: Bellingham presents a concentrated job market for Animal Caretakers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.31, suggesting a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average. With a local workforce of 210 and 2.36 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears stable and potentially growing, offering a solid employment outlook for individuals in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,880

The average Animal Caretakers in Bellingham, WA earns+18.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.7

Weekly

$786

Monthly

$3,407

Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA

Salary progression for Animal Caretakers in Bellingham typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills.10% (Entry)$34,530$16.6
ExperiencedProficient professional working independently.25% (Junior)$30,660$14.7
Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value.50% (Median)$36,890$17.7
Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role.75% (Senior)$51,100$24.6
Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation.90% (Expert)$56,290$27.1

Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,880

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,880

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $40,880 in Bellingham aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Animal Caretaker's income in Bellingham is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

2.36

Per 1K Jobs

1.31

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.31, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.

Bellingham's Location Quotient of 1.31 for Animal Caretakers indicates a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive landscape but also points to a strong, established demand for animal care services within the community, making it an attractive location for those seeking employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers

Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA

Hiring Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Bellingham, WA?

The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Bellingham, WA is $40,880. This typically ranges from $34,530 for entry-level positions to $56,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 18.6% higher than the national median of $34,470.

Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, Bellingham, WA offers a lucrative environment for Animal Caretakers.Animal Caretakers in Bellingham earn approximately 18.6% more than the national average, while the cost of living remains at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($41,080) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

How does Bellingham's Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?

Animal Caretakers in Bellingham earn an average of $40,880 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $34,470.

What is the job concentration for Animal Caretakers in Bellingham?

Bellingham has a higher concentration of Animal Caretaker jobs than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.31, suggesting greater demand relative to the workforce size.

Does the cost of living affect the value of an Animal Caretaker's salary in Bellingham?

No, the cost of living in Bellingham is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $40,880 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

How many Animal Caretaker jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Bellingham?

There are approximately 2.36 Animal Caretaker jobs per 1,000 workers in Bellingham, indicating a steady presence of these roles within the local economy.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 2.36 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.