Animal Care Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does a Animal Care Assistant make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Animal Care Assistant in the United States is $35,202 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a Animal Care Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $48,957
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $28,402 to $42,402
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $22,211
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View as table View as graph 25% $28,402 10% $22,211 90% $48,957 75% $42,402 $35,202 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Animal Care Assistant Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $42,402 $3,534 $815 $20
Average $35,202 $2,934 $677 $17
25th Percentile $28,402 $2,367 $546 $14
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Key Factors That Influence Animal Care Assistant Salaries

A Animal Care Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Animal Care Assistants

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $44,402
  • San Francisco: $43,902
  • Oakland: $42,902

What Skills Can Increase a Animal Care Assistant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.56% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Animal Care (Mentioned in 3.47% Job Postings): Providing animals' physical and mental needs to protect their welfare by treating them all with care.
  • Triage (Mentioned in 2.33% Job Postings): Triage (/ˈtriːɑːʒ, triˈɑːʒ/) is the process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition. This rations patient treatment efficiently when resources are insufficient for all to be treated immediately; influencing the order and priority of emergency treatment, emergency transport, or transport destination for the patient. This article covers the various types of triage systems as it occurs in medical emergencies, including the prehospital setting, disasters, and emergency department treatment, along with their limitations and ethical considerations.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.56%
Animal Care 3.47%
Triage 2.33%

Animal Care Assistant Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Animal Care Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $35,202. While startup companies pay approximate $35,202.

Animal Care Assistant Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$35,202
Growth Stage51~500$35,202
Established501~5000$35,202
Enterprise5000+$35,202

Animal Care Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Animal Care Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Most common benefits for Animal Care Assistant

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Find Your Next Animal Care Assistant Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Animal Care Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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    Columbus, OH

    Ohiohealth | Columbus, OH

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    5 Days Ago

  • ABSOLUTECARE MANAGER LLC.

    Columbus, OH

    ABSOLUTECARE MANAGER LLC. | Columbus, OH

    This position will cover the south west portion of Columbus locations.This role is community-based, focusing on providing both urgent and primary care to o... more

    5 Days Ago

  • UnitedHealthcare At Home

    Columbus, OH

    UnitedHealthcare At Home | Columbus, OH

    Licensed Practical Nurse. Opportunities with American Health Network (AHN), part of the Optum family of businesses. Here, you'll be part of a team that off... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Longterm Healthcare Facility

    Columbus, OH

    Longterm Healthcare Facility | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. The. Assistant Wellness Director. is responsible for the overall direction of clinical resident care se... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Careers Integrated Resources Inc

    Columbus, OH

    Careers Integrated Resources Inc | Columbus, OH

    Care Manager. Integrated Resources, Inc., is led by a seasoned team with combined decades in the industry. We deliver strategic workforce solutions that he... more

    4 Days Ago

  • New Heights Care Connections

    Columbus, OH

    New Heights Care Connections | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. About New Heights Care Connections. New Heights Care Connections (NHCC) is a community-based, technology-supported care c... more

    5 Days Ago

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FAQ about Animal Care Assistant

1. What does care assistant mean?

A Care Assistant provides essential support to individuals, often the elderly, helping them maintain independence. Their responsibilities include assisting with daily activities, personal care, and offering companionship. In terms of salary, Animal Care Assistants typically earn between $27,402 and $41,002, with a median salary of $34,002.

2. What does care assistant mean?

A Care Assistant, sometimes called a Care Worker, provides help and support to clients in care homes or their own homes. They play a crucial role in delivering care, enabling individuals to overcome everyday challenges. The salary for this role typically ranges from $27,402 to $41,002, with a mid-range salary of $34,002.

3. How much is a Cna paid in USA?

The average salary for an Animal Care Assistant in the USA ranges from $27,402 to $41,002 per year, with a mid-salary of $34,002. This translates to an hourly wage between approximately $13.15 and $19.71, depending on experience and location.

4. Can I be a vet assistant with no experience?

While prior experience with animals is beneficial, it's not a requirement to become a veterinary assistant. Familiarizing yourself with animal care basics can enhance your training. As for salary, Animal Care Assistants typically earn between $27,402 and $41,002, with a median salary around $34,002.

5. Do you need a degree to be an animal caretaker?

Most animal care and service workers have a high school diploma and learn the occupation on the job. While a degree is not required, many employers prefer candidates with experience. The salary for an Animal Care Assistant typically ranges from $27,402 to $41,002, with a median salary of around $34,002.

6. Do you need a degree to be an animal caretaker?

Animal care and service workers usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training being common. While a degree isn't required, experience with animals is often preferred by employers. The salary for an Animal Care Assistant ranges from $27,402 to $41,002, with a median salary of $34,002.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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