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Salary comparison

Animal Breeders vs. Animal Caretakers: Who Earns More?

Animal Breederss out-earn Animal Caretakerss by $19K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Animal Breederss land at $52,000 and Animal Caretakerss at $33,470. The education gap is real: animal breeder programs typically require no formal educational credential, while animal caretaker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Animal Breederss is Ohio ($71,930); for Animal Caretakerss it's Washington ($38,400).

Animal Breeders
Animal Caretakers
Median salary
$52,000
$33,470
Hourly rate
$25/hr
$16.09/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$37,130
$24,500
Senior level (90th %)
$89,970
$46,480
Education required
No formal educational credential
High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. employment
1,730
277,300
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Farming & Fishing
Personal Care
Top-paying state
Ohio
Washington

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Animal Breeders median pay.

State
Animal Breeders
Animal Caretakers
Ohio
$71,930
$29,700
California
$58,240
$37,200
New York
$50,440
$36,500
Minnesota
$48,670
$33,790
Idaho
$48,620
$29,910
Texas
$48,230
$29,810
Wisconsin
$45,840
$29,490
Kentucky
$45,730
$29,370
Alabama
$29,140
$27,940

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Animal Breederss or Animal Caretakerss?

Animal Breederss earn more nationally. The median is $52,000 for Animal Breederss versus $33,470 for Animal Caretakerss, a difference of $19K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.

Which has better job growth, Animal Breeders or Animal Caretakers?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Animal Breeders or Animal Caretakers?

Animal Breeders typically requires no formal educational credential. Animal Caretakers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Animal Breederss get paid the most?

Ohio is the top-paying state for Animal Breederss at $71,930/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Animal Breeders vs. Animal Caretakers pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Ohio, Animal Breederss earn $71,930 vs. $29,700 for Animal Caretakerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Animal Breeders salary breakdownView →Full Animal Caretakers salary breakdownView →Best cities for Animal Breederss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Animal Caretakerss by take-home payExplore →How to become a animal breedersGuide →How to become a animal caretakersGuide →