How Much Do Animal Caretakers Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Animal Caretakers in California earns $38,700 per year and takes home $32,738 ($2,728/month) — a keep-rate of 84.6%, with 25,710 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $3,225.00 |
| Federal income tax | $205.33 |
| Social Security | $199.95 |
| Medicare | $46.76 |
| California state income tax | $44.78 |
| You keep | $2,728.18 |
How much do Animal Caretakers make in California?
The median Animal Caretakers in California earns $38,700 per year (BLS May 2025), about $18.60 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$38,700 gross in California keeps $32,738 after federal income tax ($2,464), FICA ($2,961) and state income tax ($537) — $2,728 per month, a 84.6% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Animal Caretakers?
The California median is $3,340 above the national median of $35,360.
Which state pays Animal Caretakers the most?
Washington DC has the highest median gross for Animal Caretakers at $44,210 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Animal Caretakers salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage