Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Waco, TX
Animal Caretakers in Waco, TX, earn an average annual salary of $32,450. This figure is slightly below the national average of $34,470, suggesting that local economic factors and demand within the Waco job market influence compensation for this role. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, this salary indicates a stable, albeit not premium, earning potential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,440.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 Animal Caretakers and a Location Quotient of 0.85, Waco presents a moderately concentrated but not overwhelmingly abundant job market for this profession. The presence of 1.522 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for animal care services within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Waco, TX earns-5.9%below the national average.
$15.6
$624
$2,704
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Animal Caretakers in Waco, like most professions, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for animal services, and the need for skilled professionals in the field, leading to modest but steady increases in average compensation.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Career progression for Animal Caretakers in Waco typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience, specialized skills (e.g., veterinary assistance, exotic animal handling), or supervisory roles can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,470 | $10.8 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $24,338 | $11.7 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $29,180 | $14 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $40,563 | $19.5 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $45,440 | $21.8 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,450 in Waco aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Animal Caretaker's salary in Waco is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium associated with higher-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.522
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.85x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.85 for Animal Caretakers in Waco indicates that the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in Waco compared to national trends, implying a balanced job market with steady opportunities rather than intense competition or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,170↓ 1% | 41 mi |
| Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,010↓ 8% | 41 mi |
| Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,950↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $29,260↓ 10% | 41 mi |
| Eastern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area Animal Caretakers Salary | $31,370↓ 3% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Waco, TX is $32,450. This typically ranges from $22,470 for entry-level positions to $45,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 5.9% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?
No, Waco, TX is not a particularly lucrative place for Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $32,450 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, there isn't a significant financial advantage to working in this role in Waco.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($32,170) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Waco, TX is $32,450, which is approximately $2,020 less than the national average of $34,470.
What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Waco?
Waco has a Location Quotient of 0.85 for Animal Caretakers, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living in Waco affect the Animal Caretaker salary?
The cost of living in Waco is at the national average (index of 100), so the $32,450 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without being significantly impacted by high living expenses.
What is the job market like for Animal Caretakers in Waco?
The job market is moderately concentrated with 200 Animal Caretakers locally and 1.522 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating steady demand but not an exceptionally high number of opportunities compared to the national landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 1.522 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 Waco, TX