Animal Caretakers pay in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA), the median pay for animal caretakers is $21.19 an hour ($44,060 a year). About 3,950 people work in this job there.

$21.19Median hourly pay
$38,340–$48,730Middle half of workers, yearly
3,950People in this job in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

That is 25% higher than the U.S. median ($35,360). It is 9% higher than the Washington median ($40,570).

Pay range for animal caretakers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$17.81$37,040
25% of workers$18.43$38,340
Half of workers (median)$21.19$44,060
75% of workers$23.43$48,730
90% of workers$32.00$66,560

Animal Caretakers pay in Washington metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (this page)$44,0603,950
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard$39,100260
Mount Vernon-Anacortes$38,410110
Kennewick-Richland$38,340190
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee$37,91080
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater$37,900240
Bellingham$37,650230
Spokane-Spokane Valley$37,650410
Longview-Kelso$36,69070
Yakima$35,650110

Washington unemployment rate: 4.9% (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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

JobMedian yearly pay
Nursing Assistants$51,990
Childcare Workers$43,710
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$45,640
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$61,260

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.