Animal Caretakers Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The median pay for a animal caretakers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $42,590/year ($20.48/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $56K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 115.61), so that salary is closer to $36,839 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,604/month — about 122.6% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $43K get you in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
About animal caretakers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Entry-level animal caretakers (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $43K.Top earners bring in $56K or more - a $18K spread from bottom to top.
Animal Caretakers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $38K | +15% | 6,320 |
| District of Columbia | $38K | +13% | 430 |
| California | $37K | +11% | 26,200 |
| Massachusetts | $37K | +10% | 7,470 |
| New York | $37K | +9% | 11,970 |
| Connecticut | $36K | +9% | 3,250 |
| Maine | $36K | +8% | 1,390 |
| Maryland | $36K | +8% | 6,380 |
| Vermont | $36K | +6% | 570 |
| Alaska | $36K | +6% | 560 |
| Oregon | $35K | +5% | 3,750 |
| Arizona | $35K | +5% | 5,450 |
| Rhode Island | $35K | +4% | 1,030 |
| New Jersey | $35K | +3% | 6,010 |
| Illinois | $34K | +3% | 10,660 |
Track animal caretakers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do animal caretakers make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median is $42,590 a year - that works out to about $20.48 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,330, and experienced animal caretakers can clear $55,650. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $43K enough to live in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,948/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,604/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 122.3% 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 caretakers salary go in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont has a Regional Price Parity of 115.61 (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 caretakers salary is worth about $36,839 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do animal caretakers 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.