Animal Caretakers Salary in Arkansas

Animal caretakers in Arkansas earn the most in Fayetteville (average $35,580 a year) and the least in Hot Springs ($32,300), across the 5 Arkansas metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the animal caretakers average at $34,110 and the median at $30,230 for 2,040 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $37,300.

Animal Caretakers average salary by city in Arkansas

Fayetteville$35,580
Fort Smith$33,730
Little Rock$33,260
Jonesboro$33,220
Hot Springs$32,300

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Fayetteville	$35,580	$33,900	$29,700	$29,940	91
Fort Smith	$33,730	$32,720	$28,860	$28,522	86
Little Rock	$33,260	$29,270	$28,490	$28,161	89
Jonesboro	$33,220	$30,410	$28,900	$28,130	86
Hot Springs	$32,300	$28,450	$27,290	$27,425	86

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Arkansas tax is estimated with the Department of Finance and Administration's 2026 withholding formula. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Animal Caretakers salary in other states

Animal Caretakers salary by city and state

More about pay in Arkansas

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 39-2021.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.