CDCareer Decision

Animal Caretakers Salary in DC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Animal Caretakers in DC have a median annual salary of $44,210, with 460 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $37,840 at the 10th percentile to $64,300 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$44,210

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$21.25

Employment

460

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$37,840
10th
$38,290
25th
$44,210
Median
$47,730
75th
$64,300
90th

Local compared with national

DC

$44,210

Median annual · 2025

United States

$35,360

Median annual · 2025

The DC median is 25.0% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $8,850).

Top skills

  1. 1.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  2. 2.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  3. 3.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  4. 4.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  5. 5.Service OrientationImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  7. 7.SpeakingImportance 2.9
  8. 8.WritingImportance 2.8
  9. 9.Critical ThinkingImportance 2.8
  10. 10.Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8
  11. 11.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.6
  12. 12.Time ManagementImportance 2.5

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • CEEJS The Pet Groomer's Secretary
  • DaySmart Software 123Pet
  • DaySmart Software Appointment-Plus
  • Envision Pet Grooming
  • Groom Pro
  • Groomsoft
  • K9 Bytes K9 Koordinator
  • Kennel Link
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Mobile Dog Grooming Software mGroomer

Common tasks

  • Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
  • Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
  • Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
  • Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
  • Do facility laundry and clean, organize, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
  • Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
  • Collect and record animal information, such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
  • Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
  • Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
  • Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Animal Caretakers salary in other locations

Other occupations in DC