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Average Animal Caretakers Salary in West Virginia

Animal Caretakers in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $29,030, which is notably below the national average of $34,470. This disparity is often influenced by the state's overall economic landscape and the specific demand for specialized animal care roles within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $29,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,110.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,220 Animal Caretakers and a Location Quotient of 0.97, West Virginia presents a market that closely mirrors the national concentration of this profession. The rate of 1.737 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$29,030

The average Animal Caretakers in West Virginia earns-15.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$14

Weekly

$558

Monthly

$2,419

Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in West Virginia

Career progression for Animal Caretakers in West Virginia typically involves a salary increase from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting and experienced salaries generally signifies opportunities for advancement and skill development within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills.10% (Entry)$21,330$10.3
ExperiencedProficient professional working independently.25% (Junior)$21,773$10.5
Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value.50% (Median)$28,330$13.6
Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role.75% (Senior)$36,288$17.4
Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation.90% (Expert)$37,110$17.8

Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$29,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$32,802

Adjusted for COL (88.5)

The nominal average salary of $29,030 in West Virginia is significantly bolstered by the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5, which is 11.5% lower than the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Animal Caretaker's income in West Virginia is effectively higher than the raw salary figure might suggest, offering a better quality of life.

Job Market Context

1,220

Total Jobs

1.737

Per 1K Jobs

0.97

Location Quotient

Below Average

West Virginia has 0.97x 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 0.97 indicates that West Virginia's concentration of Animal Caretakers is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of professionals aligns well with the demand, implying moderate competition for available positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers

CitySalaryDist.
Charleston, WV Animal Caretakers Salary$28,970↓ 0%38 mi
Beckley, WV Animal Caretakers Salary$26,760↓ 8%50 mi
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Animal Caretakers Salary$28,530↓ 2%62 mi
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Animal Caretakers Salary$28,130↓ 3%80 mi
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Animal Caretakers Salary$31,500↑ 9%92 mi

Comparing salaries near West Virginia

Hiring Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in West Virginia is $29,030. This typically ranges from $21,330 for entry-level positions to $37,110 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 15.8% lower than the national median of $34,470.

Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Animal Caretakers?

No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the nominal salary of $29,030 is below the national average, the lower cost of living in West Virginia can improve purchasing power. However, it remains less lucrative compared to national benchmarks.

Is West Virginia a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($28,970) and Beckley, WV.

How does the West Virginia salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in West Virginia is $29,030, which is approximately $5,440 less than the national average of $34,470.

What is the cost of living in West Virginia?

West Virginia has a Cost of Living Index of 88.5, meaning it is 11.5% cheaper to live there compared to the national average (index of 100).

How concentrated is the Animal Caretaker job market in West Virginia?

The job market is nearly at the national average concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.97, indicating a stable presence of Animal Caretakers.

What is the total number of Animal Caretakers in West Virginia?

There are approximately 1,220 Animal Caretakers employed in West Virginia.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,220 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 1.737 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 West Virginia