Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Animal Caretakers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $32,330. This figure is slightly below the national average of $34,470, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area contribute to this salary positioning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,690.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area supports a robust workforce of approximately 950 Animal Caretakers. With a Location Quotient of 1.31, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for animal care professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-6.2%below the national average.
$15.5
$622
$2,694
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Animal Caretaker salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and inflation adjustments. This growth is typically driven by increased demand for pet services and a rising awareness of animal welfare standards.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,360 | $10.8 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $24,248 | $11.7 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $30,070 | $14.5 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $40,413 | $19.4 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $44,690 | $21.5 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $32,330 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Animal Caretaker's salary in this area is effectively on par with the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
2.349
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.31 for Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, signifies that this profession is more concentrated in this metropolitan area than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with a notable presence of employers seeking these specialized skills, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Animal Caretakers Salary | $39,820↑ 23% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $28,520↓ 12% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,480↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $29,780↓ 8% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $32,330. This typically ranges from $22,360 for entry-level positions to $44,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 6.2% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Animal Caretakers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the Animal Caretaker salary of $32,330 is below the national average of $34,470. The higher concentration of jobs indicates demand but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($39,820) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $32,330, which is slightly lower than the national average of $34,470.
What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.31, indicating that Animal Caretakers are more prevalent in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Animal Caretaker salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is at the national average (100), meaning the $32,330 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.31 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 1.31 suggests a stronger local market for Animal Caretakers relative to the rest of the country, implying more job opportunities may be available.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 2.349 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA