Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Lincoln, NE
Animal Caretakers in Lincoln, NE, earn an average annual salary of $32,660. This figure is slightly below the national average of $34,470, a common occurrence in markets where local economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation. The specific pay rates in Lincoln reflect a balance between the cost of living and the concentration of available positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,760.
- Outlook: Lincoln, NE, hosts a local workforce of 510 Animal Caretakers, indicating a stable, albeit not massive, employment base. The Location Quotient of 1.56 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, implying a robust local demand or a specialized industry presence that supports this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Lincoln, NE earns-5.3%below the national average.
$15.7
$628
$2,722
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Animal Caretaker salaries in Lincoln have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving industry standards. This general upward trajectory is typical for roles requiring specialized care and dedication.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Lincoln, NE
Salary progression for Animal Caretakers in Lincoln typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience in animal behavior, veterinary assistance, or specialized animal handling can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $24,960 | $12 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $24,495 | $11.8 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $30,040 | $14.4 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $40,825 | $19.6 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $42,760 | $20.6 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $32,660 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income in Lincoln, NE, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of an Animal Caretaker's salary in Lincoln is comparable to that of a caretaker in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
2.799
Per 1K Jobs
1.56
Location Quotient
Lincoln, NE has 1.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.56 for Animal Caretakers in Lincoln signifies a notable concentration of these jobs relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the market is more specialized or has a higher demand for this profession than the average U.S. city, potentially offering more opportunities or a competitive environment for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,930↑ 13% | 45 mi |
| South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $31,260↓ 4% | 86 mi |
| Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $31,270↓ 4% | 86 mi |
| Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,560↓ 6% | 86 mi |
| Grand Island, NE Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,470↓ 1% | 88 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lincoln, NE
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Lincoln, NE?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Lincoln, NE is $32,660. This typically ranges from $24,960 for entry-level positions to $42,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lincoln, NE is 5.3% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Lincoln, NE a lucrative place for Animal Caretakers?
No, but it offers stability.While the average salary of $32,660 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.56) indicates a stable market.
Is Lincoln, NE a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lincoln, NE is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lincoln, NE?
Some top paying nearby cities include Omaha, NE-IA ($36,930) and South Nebraska nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lincoln's Animal Caretaker salary compare nationally?
The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Lincoln, NE, is $32,660, which is slightly lower than the national average of $34,470.
What is the job concentration for Animal Caretakers in Lincoln?
Lincoln has a Location Quotient of 1.56 for Animal Caretakers, indicating a concentration 56% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence of this profession.
How does the cost of living in Lincoln affect salary perception?
Lincoln's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $32,660 salary has the same relative purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost-of-living area.
What does the total local workforce size suggest for Animal Caretakers in Lincoln?
With 510 Animal Caretakers, the local workforce is substantial enough to indicate consistent demand and a developed sector for animal care services within the city.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Lincoln, NE area with a job density of 2.799 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 Lincoln, NE