Animal Caretakers pay in St. Louis

In St. Louis (MO), the median pay for animal caretakers is $15.16 an hour ($31,530 a year). About 3,100 people work in this job there.

$15.16Median hourly pay
$30,210–$35,400Middle half of workers, yearly
3,100People in this job in St. Louis (MO)

That is 11% lower than the U.S. median ($35,360). It is about the same as the Missouri median ($31,230).

Pay range for animal caretakers in St. Louis (MO)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$13.75$28,600
25% of workers$14.52$30,210
Half of workers (median)$15.16$31,530
75% of workers$17.02$35,400
90% of workers$22.47$46,730

Animal Caretakers pay in Missouri metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Kansas City$32,1502,470
St. Louis (this page)$31,5303,100
Columbia$29,950280
Cape Girardeau$29,890120
St. Joseph$29,83080
Springfield$29,390440
Jefferson City$29,280100
Joplin$28,610130

Missouri unemployment rate: 3.5% (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 St. Louis (MO)

JobMedian yearly pay
Nursing Assistants$39,110
Childcare Workers$33,320
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$44,860

Other job titles for this job

AquaristAnimal Care TechnicianAnimal Health TechnicianAnimal Care Service WorkerAnimal Care SpecialistAnimal CaretakerWildlife RehabilitatorAnimal HandlerCat GroomerDog GroomerPet GroomerAnimal Care Attendant

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Source: 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.