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When considering a career as a kennel attendant, one of the most critical factors is salary. Understanding how much kennel attendants earn in different locations can significantly impact your job search and career decisions.
While individual salaries can vary based on experience and specific job duties, we have compiled the latest data on average salaries for kennel attendants across all 50 states, taking into account seniority levels. This data offers a solid foundation for understanding what to expect in terms of compensation based on state averages.
To provide a clearer picture of salary variations across the United States, we analyzed the most recent information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics regarding average pay for kennel attendants by state. We also adjusted these figures based on the cost of living in each state, ensuring that salary comparisons reflect how far your earnings will go in different regions. For example, a salary in North Carolina can have a different purchasing power than the same amount in California.
The state that offers the highest adjusted salary for kennel attendants in 2026 is Nebraska, followed closely by Washington and Kentucky. Here’s a quick overview of the top ten states for kennel attendant salaries:
Let’s delve into how these salaries were calculated and examine a complete ranking of all states.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the job market, check out these additional resources:
How We Determined Pay by State
To determine kennel attendant salaries by state, we utilized average annual salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, specifically their ‘Occupational Employment Statistics’.
To facilitate a fair comparison across states, we factored in the cost of living for each state. We created an index by dividing the state average wage by the average cost of living index. For instance, California has a cost of living index of 135.9 and an average wage of $28,950, leading to an adjusted salary calculation of:
$28,950 * (100 / 135.9) = $21,302
We then ranked the states according to this adjusted salary index, with higher values indicating better relative earning potential for kennel attendants.
Detailed List of Kennel Attendant Salaries by State
| Rank | State | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $26,801 |
| 2 | Washington | $26,692 |
| 3 | Kentucky | $26,530 |
| 4 | Georgia | $26,389 |
| 5 | New Mexico | $26,269 |
| 6 | Missouri | $26,028 |
| 7 | Michigan | $25,831 |
| 8 | Mississippi | $25,727 |
| 9 | Utah | $25,677 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $25,099 |
In conclusion, understanding the salary landscape for kennel attendants in 2026 not only aids in making informed career choices but also highlights the importance of considering cost of living when evaluating job offers. As the pet care industry continues to evolve, staying informed about compensation trends is crucial for professionals in this field.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
