Animal Caretakers Salary in South Dakota

Animal caretakers in South Dakota earn the most in Sioux Falls (average $36,440 a year) and the least in Rapid City ($33,560), across the 2 South Dakota metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the animal caretakers average at $33,700 and the median at $30,390 for 1,110 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $37,300.

Animal Caretakers average salary by city in South Dakota

Sioux Falls$36,440
Rapid City$33,560

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Sioux Falls	$36,440	$34,300	$29,470	$31,460	91
Rapid City	$33,560	$32,090	$28,960	$29,145	89

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; South Dakota has no state income tax. 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 South Dakota

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.