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Animal Caretakers Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Animal Caretakers make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$30,870
Median Annual Salary
▲ +6.8% vs 2024
$33,870
Mean Salary
$30,870
Median Salary
$14.84
Hourly Rate
9,730 people work as Animal Caretakers in North Carolina

Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in North Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Animal Caretakers salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Animal Caretakers in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $23,210$23,21025th25% earn less than $28,540$28,540MedianHalf earn more than $30,870$30,87075th75% earn less than $35,990$35,99090thTop 10% earn more than $46,120$46,120

Animal Caretakers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $30,870 per year ($2,572/month). This is 7.9% below the national average of $33,529. North Carolina ranks #33 out of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay. Approximately 9,730 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 6.8% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, groom, bathe, exercise, or otherwise provide care to promote and maintain the well-being of pets and other animals that are not raised for consumption, such as dogs, cats, race horses, ornamental fish or birds, zoo animals, and mice. Work in settings such as kennels, animal shelters, zoos, circuses, and aquariums. May keep records of feedings, treatments, and animals received or discharged. May clean, disinfect, and repair cages, pens, or fish tanks.

Top Skills

Monitoring
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.2
Administrative
3.13
English Language
3.07
Education and Training
2.62
Administration and Management
2.54
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (63.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Animal Caretakers in North Carolina

Salaries for Animal Caretakers in North Carolina range from $23,210 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $46,120 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,540 and $35,990.

Median $30,870
P10: $23,210 P25: $28,540 P75: $35,990 P90: $46,120
10th
$23,210
25th
$28,540
Median
$30,870
75th
$35,990
90th
$46,120
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $23,210 $11.16 $1,934
25th Percentile $28,540 $13.72 $2,378
Median (50th) $30,870 $14.84 $2,572
75th Percentile $35,990 $17.30 $2,999
90th Percentile (Experienced) $46,120 $22.17 $3,843

Note: The mean (average) salary of $33,870 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#33
North Carolina ranks #33 of 51 states
$33,529
National avg. for Animal Caretakers
-7.9%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in North Carolina:

What does this salary really buy? See Animal Caretakers salary in North Carolina adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Animal Caretakers take-home pay in North Carolina after taxes →

Explore Animal Caretakers Data in North Carolina

Animal Caretakers Salary by State

Compare Animal Caretakers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Animal Caretakers make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Animal Caretakers in North Carolina is $30,870 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $33,870.
What is the salary range for a Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
Salaries for Animal Caretakers in North Carolina range from $23,210 at the 10th percentile to $46,120 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,540 and $35,990.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
Entry-level Animal Caretakers positions in North Carolina typically start around $23,210 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,540 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 9,730 people are employed as Animal Caretakers in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Caretakers in North Carolina is approximately $14.84 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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