Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Dover, DE
Animal Caretakers in Dover, Delaware earn an average annual salary of $31,290. This figure is notably below the national average of $34,470, suggesting localized economic factors or a different market dynamic are at play in the First State. Understanding these regional pay scales is crucial for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,850.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 220 Animal Caretakers, Dover, DE presents a concentrated market. The Location Quotient of 1.78 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, implying robust local demand or a specialized industry presence that supports this workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Dover, DE earns-9.2%below the national average.
$15
$602
$2,608
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Dover, DE is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Animal Caretakers, mirroring national trends, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for animal services, and evolving industry standards.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Dover, DE
Career progression for Animal Caretakers in Dover, DE, like elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command higher salaries, reflecting the typical percentile gaps seen in most professions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,560 | $13.3 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $23,468 | $11.3 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $29,230 | $14.1 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $39,113 | $18.8 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $36,850 | $17.7 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,290 in Dover, DE aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is on par with the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
3.193
Per 1K Jobs
1.78
Location Quotient
Dover, DE has 1.8x the national concentration of Animal Caretakers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Dover, DE boasts a Location Quotient of 1.78 for Animal Caretakers, significantly exceeding the national average of 1.0. This elevated quotient suggests that the job market for Animal Caretakers in Dover is more concentrated than in many other parts of the country, potentially indicating a higher demand relative to the national job pool or a specialized cluster of animal-related industries.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $34,100↑ 9% | 11 mi |
| Vineland, NJ Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,250↑ 13% | 35 mi |
| Salisbury, MD Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,370↑ 16% | 54 mi |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,640↑ 14% | 58 mi |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ Animal Caretakers Salary | $38,820↑ 24% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Dover, DE
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Dover, DE?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Dover, DE is $31,290. This typically ranges from $27,560 for entry-level positions to $36,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Dover, DE is 9.2% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Dover, DE a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $31,290 is below the national average of $34,470, though the cost of living is on par with the national average. The high concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.78) suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Dover, DE a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Dover, DE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Dover, DE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area ($34,100) and Vineland, NJ.
How does Dover, DE's Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?
Animal Caretakers in Dover, DE earn an average of $31,290 annually, which is approximately $3,180 less than the national average of $34,470.
What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Dover, DE?
Dover, DE has a Location Quotient of 1.78 for Animal Caretakers, meaning the profession is 78% more concentrated there than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Dover, DE affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Dover, DE matches the national average. This means the $31,290 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the job market size suggest for Animal Caretakers in Dover, DE?
The local workforce of 220 Animal Caretakers, combined with a high Location Quotient, suggests a stable and potentially growing job market for this profession in Dover, DE.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Dover, DE area with a job density of 3.193 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 Dover, DE