As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Research Animal Caretaker in the United States is $41,590. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $34,330 to a high of $48,850, with most professionals earning between $37,790 and $45,390.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,390 | $3,783 | $873 | $22 |
| Average | $41,590 | $3,466 | $800 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,790 | $3,149 | $727 | $18 |
An entry-level Research Animal Caretaker with less than 1 year of experience earns about $40,909. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $41,703. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $43,291. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $43,462, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $43,575.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Research Animal Caretaker | $40,909 |
| Intermediate Level Research Animal Caretaker | $41,703 |
| Senior Level Research Animal Caretaker | $43,291 |
| Specialist Level Research Animal Caretaker | $43,462 |
| Expert Level Research Animal Caretaker | $43,575 |
| 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 Research Animal Caretaker 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 Research Animal Caretaker 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 Research Animal Caretaker information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Research Animal Caretaker job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Research Animal Caretaker and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $41,590 | 67.2% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,182 | 5.1% | ||
| 401K/403B | $1,664 | 2.7% | ||
| Disability | $832 | 1.3% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,374 | 10.3% | ||
| Pension | $2,287 | 3.7% | ||
| Time Off | $5,919 | 9.6% | ||
| Total Compensation | $61,847 | 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?
If you are an animal lover seeking career opportunities, consider roles like veterinarian or wildlife biologist, which typically offer higher salaries. For a more specialized position, a Research Animal Caretaker earns between $40,390 and $46,690, with a mid-salary of $41,890. Explore these options to find a fulfilling career working with animals.
Veterinary research scientists in the US earn significantly more than research animal caretakers. While caretakers have a salary range of $40,390 to $46,690, veterinary research scientists can make an average of $130,117, with top earners reaching up to $173,000 annually. This highlights the disparity in earnings within the veterinary field.
While raising animals like chickens, goats, bees, rabbits, cattle, and pigs can generate income, the financial aspect varies. For instance, a Research Animal Caretaker earns between $40,390 and $46,690 annually, with a mid-salary of $41,890. This role highlights the potential for a stable income in animal care, making it a viable option for those passionate about animals.
To conclude, working as a Research Animal Caretaker in the USA offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $40,390, a mid-range of $41,890, and a maximum of $46,690. This career provides opportunities for growth, advanced practices, and a strong commitment to animal welfare, making it a rewarding choice for those passionate about animal care.
To become a good Animal Caretaker, focus on developing attention to detail, patience, and the ability to handle pets gently yet firmly. Stay calm with nervous animals and enhance your communication skills to work effectively with pet owners. A passion for animals and maintaining good health are essential. The salary for this role ranges from $40,390 to $46,690, with a mid-range of $41,890.
To become a veterinary research scientist, start by earning a bachelor's degree, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree. Complete a residency program in research veterinary medicine and gain relevant experience. Obtain certification and then apply for positions. Salaries for research animal caretakers range from $40,390 to $46,690, with a mid-salary of $41,890.
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.)
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