As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Animal Care Technician I in the United States is $41,510. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $37,780 to $45,390, with most professionals earning between $34,384 and $48,923.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,390 | $3,783 | $873 | $22 |
| Average | $41,510 | $3,459 | $798 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,780 | $3,148 | $727 | $18 |
An entry-level Animal Care Technician I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $40,842. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $41,626. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $43,247. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $43,421, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $43,537.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Animal Care Technician I | $40,842 |
| Intermediate Level Animal Care Technician I | $41,626 |
| Senior Level Animal Care Technician I | $43,247 |
| Specialist Level Animal Care Technician I | $43,421 |
| Expert Level Animal Care Technician I | $43,537 |
| Entry Level | 2% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 4% |
| Top Level | 5% |
| Experienced | 5% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Animal Care Technician I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $44,941 in 2023 to approximately $44,940 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Animal Care Technician I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Animal Care Technician I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Animal Care Technician I job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Animal Care Technician I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $41,510 | 67.2% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,176 | 5.1% | ||
| 401K/403B | $1,660 | 2.7% | ||
| Disability | $830 | 1.3% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,374 | 10.3% | ||
| Pension | $2,283 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $5,907 | 9.6% | ||
| Total Compensation | $61,740 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 30.0% |
| Associates | 33.2% |
| Bachelors | 29.7% |
| Masters | 4.8% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
What Am I Worth?
The trade of an Animal Care Technician offers a competitive salary range. The minimum salary starts at $40,310, while the mid-range salary is approximately $41,850. For those at the top of the field, the maximum salary can reach up to $46,620. This makes it a rewarding career for those passionate about animal care.
To become an animal caretaker, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient, with on-the-job training provided. While a degree is not mandatory, having experience with animals is often preferred by employers. The salary for an Animal Care Technician ranges from $40,310 to $46,620, with a median salary of $41,850.
The salary for an Animal Care Technician ranges from a minimum of $40,310 to a maximum of $46,620, with a mid-range salary of $41,850. While this role offers a decent income, other animal-related jobs, such as veterinarians or animal behaviorists, typically earn higher salaries.
To make six figures as a vet tech, consider specializing in areas like dentistry, anesthesiology, or emergency care. While the average salary for an Animal Care Technician ranges from $40,310 to $46,620, specialized roles can command higher pay, especially with additional training and certification. Focus on gaining expertise to enhance your earning potential.
Animal Care Technicians in the USA earn a minimum salary of $40,310, a mid-range salary of $41,850, and a maximum salary of $46,620. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the field, providing a competitive compensation structure for those in animal care roles.
Animal Care Technicians typically work 40 hours a week, though they may work part-time or full-time. Their schedules can include days, evenings, weekends, or holidays, especially in research labs and animal hospitals that operate 24/7. The salary for this role ranges from $40,310 to $46,620, with a mid-salary of $41,850.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
