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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in North Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$37,070
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.1% vs 2024
$37,540
Mean Salary
$37,070
Median Salary
$17.82
Hourly Rate
6,910 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in North Carolina

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

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in North Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $28,830$28,83025th25% earn less than $35,250$35,250MedianHalf earn more than $37,070$37,07075th75% earn less than $39,080$39,08090thTop 10% earn more than $46,470$46,470

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $37,070 per year ($3,089/month). This is 4.2% below the national average of $38,713. North Carolina ranks #29 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay. Approximately 6,910 people work in this occupation across North Carolina. Salaries increased by 1.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Writing
3.12
Monitoring
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.33
English Language
3.83
Biology
3.56
Administrative
3.51
Medicine and Dentistry
3.5
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (78.2% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina

Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina range from $28,830 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $46,470 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,250 and $39,080.

Median $37,070
P10: $28,830 P25: $35,250 P75: $39,080 P90: $46,470
10th
$28,830
25th
$35,250
Median
$37,070
75th
$39,080
90th
$46,470
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $28,830 $13.86 $2,402
25th Percentile $35,250 $16.95 $2,937
Median (50th) $37,070 $17.82 $3,089
75th Percentile $39,080 $18.79 $3,256
90th Percentile (Experienced) $46,470 $22.34 $3,872

Note: The mean (average) salary of $37,540 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#29
North Carolina ranks #29 of 51 states
$38,713
National avg. for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
-4.2%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in North Carolina:

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

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

Explore Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Data in North Carolina

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary by State

Compare Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina is $37,070 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $37,540.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina range from $28,830 at the 10th percentile to $46,470 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $35,250 and $39,080.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in North Carolina typically start around $28,830 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,250 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 6,910 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in North Carolina is approximately $17.82 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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