Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Rockford, IL
Animal Caretakers in Rockford, IL earn an average annual salary of $33,350. This figure is slightly below the national average of $34,470, indicating that local market dynamics and the specific demand within Rockford contribute to this compensation level. Factors such as the cost of living and the concentration of related industries play a role in shaping local pay rates for this profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,610.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 Animal Caretakers, Rockford presents a moderately sized employment landscape for this role. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Rockford is very close to the national average, implying a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area. This indicates a consistent need for these services without significant oversupply or undersupply.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Rockford, IL earns-3.2%below the national average.
$16
$641
$2,779
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Rockford's Animal Caretaker salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and increasing demand for animal welfare services typically drive salary increases across most professions. Therefore, Animal Caretakers in Rockford likely have experienced modest salary growth over the last four years, keeping pace with broader economic adjustments.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Rockford, IL
Career progression for Animal Caretakers in Rockford, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles, such as lead animal handlers or veterinary technicians with animal care responsibilities, command higher salaries. The variance between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $29,120 | $14 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $25,013 | $12 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $30,210 | $14.5 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $41,688 | $20 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $43,610 | $21 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,350 in Rockford, IL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average. For individuals considering relocation, this suggests that their income will cover essential living expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country, making Rockford a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living versus salary.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
1.647
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Rockford, IL has 0.92x the national average concentration of Animal Caretakers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.92 for Animal Caretakers in Rockford, IL, indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated in this area compared to the national average. An LQ below 1.0 suggests that while the job exists and is needed, it is not a dominant industry or a particularly specialized field within Rockford's broader economy. This implies a competitive job market where opportunities are present but may require active searching, rather than a market flooded with potential employees or one with exceptionally high demand.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Animal Caretakers Salary | $31,370↓ 6% | 30 mi |
| Madison, WI Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,200↑ 9% | 59 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Animal Caretakers Salary | $29,700↓ 11% | 65 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,380↓ 9% | 71 mi |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,960↑ 11% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rockford, IL
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Rockford, IL?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Rockford, IL is $33,350. This typically ranges from $29,120 for entry-level positions to $43,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rockford, IL is 3.2% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Rockford, IL a lucrative place for Animal Caretakers?
No, Rockford, IL is not a particularly lucrative place for Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $33,350 is slightly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, there isn't a significant financial advantage to working in this role in Rockford compared to other areas.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Rockford, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rockford, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($31,370) and Madison, WI.
How does Rockford's Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Rockford, IL is $33,350, which is slightly lower than the national average of $34,470.
What is the job market like for Animal Caretakers in Rockford, IL?
The job market is stable, with a total local workforce of 230 and a Location Quotient of 0.92, indicating a concentration close to the national average. This suggests consistent demand without extreme competition.
Does the cost of living in Rockford affect the value of the Animal Caretaker salary?
No, the cost of living in Rockford is exactly at the national average (100). Therefore, the nominal salary of $33,350 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Are there opportunities for career growth for Animal Caretakers in Rockford?
Yes, like most fields, experience typically leads to higher salaries. Moving from entry-level to senior roles offers clear pathways for increased earning potential within the Animal Caretaker profession.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Rockford, IL area with a job density of 1.647 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 Rockford, IL