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Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Washington

Animal Caretakers in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $43,330, significantly surpassing the national average of $34,470. This higher compensation is largely driven by Washington's robust economy and a cost of living that exceeds the national benchmark, necessitating greater remuneration for its workforce.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,290.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,320 Animal Caretakers, Washington demonstrates a substantial presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of these jobs in Washington is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for animal care professionals within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,330

The average Animal Caretakers in Washington earns+25.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.8

Weekly

$833

Monthly

$3,611

Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Animal Caretakers in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills.10% (Entry)$34,820$16.7
ExperiencedProficient professional working independently.25% (Junior)$32,498$15.6
Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value.50% (Median)$38,400$18.5
Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role.75% (Senior)$54,163$26
Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation.90% (Expert)$58,290$28

Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$37,646

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $43,330 in Washington needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the increased cost of living means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered, requiring careful budgeting for residents.

Job Market Context

6,320

Total Jobs

1.786

Per 1K Jobs

0.99

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington has 0.99x 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 0.99 suggests that the job market for Animal Caretakers in Washington is neither significantly over-saturated nor unusually scarce compared to the national landscape. This indicates a balanced market where opportunities exist, but intense competition might be present in certain high-demand areas.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Animal Caretakers Salary$44,900↑ 4%42 mi
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Animal Caretakers Salary$39,780↓ 8%54 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Animal Caretakers Salary$42,230↓ 3%58 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Animal Caretakers Salary$41,260↓ 5%70 mi
Yakima, WA Animal Caretakers Salary$40,450↓ 7%71 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

Hiring Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Washington is $43,330. This typically ranges from $34,820 for entry-level positions to $58,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 25.7% higher than the national median of $34,470.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, with caveats.Washington offers a higher average salary for Animal Caretakers than the national average, but this is partially offset by a cost of living that is above the national average.

Is Washington a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($44,900) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

How does Washington's Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Washington is $43,330, which is $8,860 higher than the national average of $34,470.

What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers jobs in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.99 for Animal Caretakers, meaning the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the Animal Caretaker salary in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average, meaning the higher salary is necessary to maintain a comparable standard of living.

What is the total number of Animal Caretakers employed in Washington?

There are approximately 6,320 Animal Caretakers employed in Washington State.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,320 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.786 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 Washington