How much does a Animal Care Attendant make?
An Animal Care Attendant finds rewarding work in caring for animals. This role often includes feeding, cleaning, and ensuring animals are comfortable and safe. The average yearly salary for an Animal Care Attendant stands at approximately $32,437. This figure can vary based on several factors, such as the type of animals cared for and the facility's location.
To provide more detail, the salary range can be quite broad. The lowest 10% of earners make around $23,000 per year, while the highest 10% earn approximately $51,224. In the middle, the median salary is around $30,697. Most Animal Care Attendants find their earnings fall within these boundaries, but certain regions or specialized facilities may offer higher pay. This salary reflects the dedication and care these professionals provide to animals in their charge.
What are the highest paying cities for a Animal Care Attendant?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $51,373
Working in San Francisco offers a unique experience with a variety of animals in a bustling city. Opportunities abound in pet care centers and veterinary clinics. Major employers include PetSmart and Banfield Pet Hospital.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $44,611
Vallejo provides a mix of urban and natural settings, perfect for animal lovers. You can find work in local shelters and pet supply stores. Key employers feature Petco and local veterinary practices.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $43,574
Seattle is known for its love of pets and green spaces. This city offers roles in animal shelters and pet clinics. Prominent employers include Seattle Humane and local animal hospitals.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $43,414
San Diego's warm climate makes it ideal for animal care. Jobs can be found in zoos, animal shelters, and pet stores. Noteworthy employers include the San Diego Zoo and Petco.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $43,374
In Denver, animal care professionals enjoy working in a city with a strong community spirit. Opportunities include roles in animal shelters and pet boarding facilities. Major employers feature Best Friends Animal Society and local veterinary clinics.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $42,933
Fresno offers a mix of small-town charm and city amenities. Animal care jobs can be found in local shelters and pet stores. Key employers include Banfield Pet Hospital and local veterinary services.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $42,862
Los Angeles provides a vibrant environment for animal care. You can find positions in animal shelters, pet stores, and veterinary clinics. Major employers feature PetSmart and local animal hospitals.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $42,709
Chicago offers a bustling environment with many opportunities in animal care. Jobs can be found in animal shelters, pet stores, and veterinary clinics. Noteworthy employers include Petco and local animal hospitals.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $41,500
Santa Maria provides a quieter setting with plenty of opportunities in animal care. Roles can be found in local shelters and veterinary clinics. Major employers include local veterinary practices and pet supply stores.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $41,156
Sacramento offers a blend of urban and rural settings, ideal for animal care. Opportunities include roles in animal shelters and pet boarding facilities. Key employers feature Banfield Pet Hospital and local veterinary clinics.
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What are the best companies a Animal Care Attendant can work for?

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Manatee County Government
Average Salary: $48,706
Manatee County Government offers rewarding positions for Animal Care Attendants, focusing on animal welfare in various locations. These jobs can be found in Manatee County, ensuring a close-knit community environment.
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City of San Antonio
Average Salary: $42,484
The City of San Antonio provides many opportunities for Animal Care Attendants across several animal care facilities. With locations throughout the city, these roles emphasize community service and animal care.
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San Diego Humane Society
Average Salary: $42,250
San Diego Humane Society values Animal Care Attendants who are passionate about animal welfare. Roles are available in San Diego, combining care for animals with community outreach and education efforts.
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Best Friends Pet Care INC
Average Salary: $38,533
At Best Friends Pet Care INC, Animal Care Attendants find fulfilling work in various locations. The company emphasizes creating a caring environment for both animals and staff.
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Maui Humane Society
Average Salary: $38,500
The Maui Humane Society offers Animal Care Attendant positions in a serene and supportive setting. Locations on Maui provide a unique environment for those dedicated to animal care.
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Charles River Laboratories
Average Salary: $37,102
Charles River Laboratories provides roles for Animal Care Attendants in scientific settings. Positions are available in various locations, focusing on the care of animals used in research.
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Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Average Salary: $36,727
Rancho Coastal Humane Society offers rewarding positions for Animal Care Attendants, with locations throughout the region. These roles focus on animal welfare and community education.
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Bideawee
Average Salary: $36,000
Bideawee provides Animal Care Attendant positions that focus on the well-being of animals. Locations are spread across the area, offering diverse experiences in animal care.
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NEVADA HUMANE SOCIETY
Average Salary: $35,368
The Nevada Humane Society offers roles for Animal Care Attendants with various job opportunities in locations throughout Nevada. These positions emphasize animal welfare and community service.
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CityVet
Average Salary: $35,059
CityVet provides Animal Care Attendant positions in urban settings, focusing on the health and care of animals. Locations in city environments offer dynamic and rewarding career paths.
How to earn more as a Animal Care Attendant?
Working as an Animal Care Attendant offers a rewarding career path filled with the joy of caring for animals. To earn more in this field, consider these important factors. By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your skills and increase your potential for higher earnings.
First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Seek opportunities to work in diverse settings, such as animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or zoos. Each environment offers unique challenges and learning experiences. Second, obtaining additional certifications can open doors to better-paying jobs. Certifications in areas like animal first aid, pet grooming, or specialized animal care can set you apart from others.
- Experience: Work in different settings like shelters or veterinary clinics.
- Certifications: Get certified in areas such as first aid or grooming.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals in the animal care field.
- Continuing Education: Attend workshops and seminars for new skills.
- Specialization: Focus on a niche like exotic animals or large animal care.
Networking plays a key role in discovering higher-paying opportunities. Attend industry events and join professional organizations. This allows you to meet potential employers and learn about job openings. Continuing education through workshops and seminars keeps your skills current and can lead to promotions. Specializing in a niche area can also make you more valuable to employers willing to pay a premium for your expertise.



