Animal Breeders Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
The median pay for a animal breeders in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $58,240/year ($28/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $95K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $52,051 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 78.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $58K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About animal breeders
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level animal breeders (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $58K.Top earners bring in $95K or more - a $47K spread from bottom to top.
Animal Breeders pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $72K | +38% | N/A |
| California | $58K | +12% | N/A |
| New York | $50K | -3% | 220 |
| Minnesota | $49K | -6% | 40 |
| Idaho | $49K | -7% | N/A |
| Texas | $48K | -7% | 110 |
| Wisconsin | $46K | -12% | 70 |
| Kentucky | $46K | -12% | 30 |
| Alabama | $29K | -44% | 50 |
Track animal breeders salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do animal breeders make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $58,240 a year - that works out to about $28 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,310, and experienced animal breeders can clear $95,000. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $58K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,921/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 76.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a animal breeders salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median animal breeders salary is worth about $52,051 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do animal breeders get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.