Animal Caretakers pay in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC), the median pay for animal caretakers is $18.13 an hour ($37,710 a year). About 6,590 people work in this job there.
That is 7% higher than the U.S. median ($35,360). It is 15% lower than the District of Columbia median ($44,210).
Pay range for animal caretakers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $14.50 | $30,160 |
| 25% of workers | $16.67 | $34,670 |
| Half of workers (median) | $18.13 | $37,710 |
| 75% of workers | $21.36 | $44,420 |
| 90% of workers | $26.45 | $55,020 |
Animal Caretakers pay in District of Columbia metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (this page) | $37,710 | 6,590 |
District of Columbia unemployment rate: 5.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for animal caretakers
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 3 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +12.1% over ten years, much faster than average · about 62,800 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (DC)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Nursing Assistants | $45,730 |
| Childcare Workers | $37,610 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $45,320 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $57,630 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.