Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $40,530, significantly higher than the national average of $34,470. This elevated compensation reflects the specialized demand and potentially higher operational costs within this specific metropolitan area. The concentration of roles in this region suggests a robust local market for these dedicated professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,040.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 770 Animal Caretakers, Portland-South Portland demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates that this profession is approximately 50% more concentrated here than the national average, signaling a strong and potentially growing demand for skilled individuals in animal care services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+17.6%above the national average.
$19.5
$779
$3,378
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for pet services, and evolving industry standards likely contribute to a positive trajectory for compensation in this sector.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Animal Caretakers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers or those with specialized skills, such as veterinary technician experience or management roles, can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $32,030 | $15.4 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $30,398 | $14.6 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $36,820 | $17.7 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $50,663 | $24.4 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $49,040 | $23.6 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,530 in Portland-South Portland, ME, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for Animal Caretakers without the immediate pressure of high living expenses impacting disposable income.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
2.701
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.5 for Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, signifies a market where this profession is more prevalent than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, and professionals have a good number of opportunities available relative to other areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lewiston-Auburn, ME Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,700↓ 9% | 29 mi |
| Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $33,110↓ 18% | 67 mi |
| Northern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,720↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Southwestern New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,580↓ 12% | 67 mi |
| Manchester-Nashua, NH Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,740↓ 19% | 76 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME is $40,530. This typically ranges from $32,030 for entry-level positions to $49,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 17.6% higher than the national median of $34,470.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Animal Caretakers?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland earn $40,530 annually, which is higher than the national average. Coupled with a standard cost of living, this makes the location financially attractive for the profession.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($36,700) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland, ME, is $40,530, which is notably higher than the national average of $34,470.
What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Portland-South Portland?
The Location Quotient is 1.5, indicating that Animal Caretakers are 50% more concentrated in Portland-South Portland compared to the national average, suggesting higher local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the Animal Caretaker salary in Portland-South Portland?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $40,530 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offering good financial stability.
How many Animal Caretakers are employed in Portland-South Portland?
There are approximately 770 Animal Caretakers employed in the Portland-South Portland, ME area, representing a significant local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.701 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 Portland-South Portland, ME