Animal Caretakers pay in Kentucky
In Kentucky, the median pay for animal caretakers is $14.77 an hour ($30,720 a year). About 6,140 people work in this job there.
That is 13% lower than the U.S. median ($35,360). Kentucky ranks 34th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Kentucky
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $10.86 | $22,600 |
| 25% of workers | $13.39 | $27,860 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.77 | $30,720 |
| 75% of workers | $18.22 | $37,890 |
| 90% of workers | $22.74 | $47,290 |
Animal Caretakers pay in Kentucky metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $34,590 | 2,400 |
| Paducah | $31,200 | 60 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $30,830 | 1,640 |
| Elizabethtown | $29,730 | 120 |
| Bowling Green | $29,510 | 160 |
| Owensboro | $29,070 | 70 |
Kentucky unemployment rate: 4.7% (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 Kentucky
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Nursing Assistants | $38,370 |
| Childcare Workers | $28,920 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $34,140 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $39,590 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $38,030 |
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.