Animal Caretakers Salary in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
The median pay for a animal caretakers in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA is $38,210/year ($18.37/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $34K at the entry level to $49K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 107.78), so that salary is closer to $35,452 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,827/month — about 107.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $38K get you in Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
About animal caretakers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA
Entry-level animal caretakers (10th percentile) start around $34K. Mid-career wages sit at $38K.Top earners bring in $49K or more - a $15K 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 Santa Rosa-Petaluma numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do animal caretakers make in Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA?
The median is $38,210 a year - that works out to about $18.37 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,460, and experienced animal caretakers can clear $49,350. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $38K enough to live in Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,669/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,827/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 105.9% 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 Santa Rosa-Petaluma?
Santa Rosa-Petaluma has a Regional Price Parity of 107.78 (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 $35,452 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.