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Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Iowa

Animal Caretakers in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $31,500, which is slightly below the national average of $34,470. This difference is often influenced by the specific economic landscape and demand within the state, as well as the prevailing cost of living which can affect overall compensation strategies.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $31,500 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,690.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,460 Animal Caretakers, Iowa presents a notable concentration of these professionals, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.23. This suggests a slightly higher presence of this occupation in Iowa compared to the national average, implying a stable or potentially growing demand for their services within the state's animal care sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$31,500

The average Animal Caretakers in Iowa earns-8.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$15.2

Weekly

$606

Monthly

$2,625

Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Iowa

Career progression for Animal Caretakers in Iowa typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this clear career ladder, rewarding accumulated knowledge and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills.10% (Entry)$21,780$10.5
ExperiencedProficient professional working independently.25% (Junior)$23,625$11.4
Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value.50% (Median)$29,560$14.2
Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role.75% (Senior)$39,375$18.9
Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation.90% (Expert)$44,690$21.5

Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$31,500

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,117

Adjusted for COL (89.7)

The average annual salary of $31,500 in Iowa for Animal Caretakers is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds greater purchasing power locally, making the effective income potentially more favorable than the raw salary figure might suggest when compared to higher cost-of-living areas.

Job Market Context

3,460

Total Jobs

2.218

Per 1K Jobs

1.23

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.23, Iowa has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.

Iowa's Location Quotient of 1.23 for Animal Caretakers indicates a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive environment for job seekers but also signifies a robust demand and established presence for animal care services within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers

CitySalaryDist.
Ames, IA Animal Caretakers Salary$39,820↑ 26%21 mi
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Animal Caretakers Salary$32,330↑ 3%37 mi
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Animal Caretakers Salary$26,930↓ 15%55 mi
Cedar Rapids, IA Animal Caretakers Salary$30,770↓ 2%79 mi
Iowa City, IA Animal Caretakers Salary$35,040↑ 11%90 mi

Comparing salaries near Iowa

Hiring Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Iowa is $31,500. This typically ranges from $21,780 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 Iowa is 8.6% lower than the national median of $34,470.

Is Iowa a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?

No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $31,500 is below the national average, Iowa's lower cost of living means your earnings may stretch further than in more expensive states.

Is Iowa a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Iowa?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($39,820) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.

How does the Iowa Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Iowa is $31,500, which is approximately $2,970 less than the national average of $34,470.

What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Iowa?

Iowa has a Location Quotient of 1.23 for Animal Caretakers, indicating that the occupation is 23% more concentrated in Iowa than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Iowa affect Animal Caretaker salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7, Iowa is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $31,500 salary can provide a relatively good standard of living.

What is the total number of Animal Caretakers in Iowa?

There are approximately 3,460 Animal Caretakers employed in Iowa.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,460 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 2.218 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Iowa