Animal Caretakers pay in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the median pay for animal caretakers is $14.61 an hour ($30,390 a year). About 1,110 people work in this job there.
That is 14% lower than the U.S. median ($35,360). South Dakota ranks 36th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for animal caretakers in South Dakota
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $13.11 | $27,260 |
| 25% of workers | $13.80 | $28,710 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.61 | $30,390 |
| 75% of workers | $17.00 | $35,370 |
| 90% of workers | $21.61 | $44,960 |
Animal Caretakers pay in South Dakota metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $34,300 | 420 |
| Rapid City | $32,090 | 270 |
South Dakota unemployment rate: 2% (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 South Dakota
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Nursing Assistants | $38,800 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,940 |
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.