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Salary comparison

Animal Caretakers vs. Amusement and Recreation Attendants: Who Earns More?

Animal Caretakerss out-earn Amusement and Recreation Attendantss by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Animal Caretakerss land at $35,360 and Amusement and Recreation Attendantss at $32,150. The education gap is real: animal caretaker programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while amusement and recreation attendant programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Animal Caretakerss is District of Columbia ($44,210); for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss it's Alaska ($45,680).

Animal Caretakers
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
Median salary
$35,360
$32,150
Hourly rate
$17/hr
$15.46/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$27,250
$22,350
Senior level (90th %)
$50,060
$42,490
Education required
High school diploma or equivalent
High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. employment
266,910
397,830
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Personal Care
Personal Care
Top-paying state
District of Columbia
Alaska

Pay by state

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

State
Animal Caretakers
Amusement and Recreation Attendants
District of Columbia
$44,210
$37,960
Washington
$40,570
$37,790
Hawaii
$40,130
$39,920
Massachusetts
$39,650
$34,440
California
$38,700
$37,000
Arizona
$38,180
$33,570
New York
$37,840
$36,300
Colorado
$37,430
$35,770
Connecticut
$37,310
$34,860
Maine
$37,230
$35,330
Maryland
$36,780
$36,710
Alaska
$36,640
$45,680
Oregon
$36,580
$35,400
Vermont
$36,090
$35,290
New Jersey
$35,850
$34,500

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Animal Caretakerss or Amusement and Recreation Attendantss?

Animal Caretakerss earn more nationally. The median is $35,360 for Animal Caretakerss versus $32,150 for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Animal Caretakers or Amusement and Recreation Attendants?

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 Caretakers or Amusement and Recreation Attendants?

Animal Caretakers typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Amusement and Recreation Attendants requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Animal Caretakerss get paid the most?

District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Animal Caretakerss at $44,210/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Animal Caretakers vs. Amusement and Recreation Attendants pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Animal Caretakerss earn $44,210 vs. $37,960 for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Animal Caretakers salary breakdownView →Full Amusement and Recreation Attendants salary breakdownView →Best cities for Animal Caretakerss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Amusement and Recreation Attendantss by take-home payExplore →How to become a animal caretakersGuide →How to become a amusement and recreation attendantsGuide →