BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Animal Caretakers in North Carolina

$33,870 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$16.28 per hour

▼ 9.2% below U.S. average40th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$33,870per year
Median$30,870per year
Hourly$16.28per hour
10th – 90th percentile$23,210 – $46,120per year

Animal Caretakers Pay Range in North Carolina

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$23,210
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$28,540
  • 50th Percentile — Median$30,870
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$35,990
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$46,120

Half of Animal Caretakers in North Carolina earn more than $30,870. The top 10% make $46,120 or more, while entry-level workers start around $23,210.

Animal Caretakers in North Carolina: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • North Carolina ranks 40th of 51 states for Animal Caretakers pay, at $33,870 per year (9.2% below the U.S. average of $37,300).
  • 9,730 people work as Animal Caretakers in North Carolina — 3.6% of all U.S. Animal Caretakers jobs.
  • Location quotient 1.15: Animal Caretakers jobs are more concentrated in North Carolina than in the U.S. overall.
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $23,210; the top 10% earn over $46,120.
  • Hourly equivalent: $16.28 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $46,510.
  • Among personal services jobs in North Carolina, Skincare Specialists pays the most ($50,870).

Animal Caretakers Job Market in North Carolina

Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina's key industries are Technology, Finance, Agriculture, and its job market is rated strong. Animal Caretakers here earn $33,870 on average, placing the state 40th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.91 (U.S. = 1.00), a North Carolina salary of $33,870 is roughly equivalent to $37,220 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Arkansas ($34,110), Pennsylvania ($34,110), Tennessee ($34,110) are the closest alternatives for Animal Caretakers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in North Carolina?

The average Animal Caretakers salary in North Carolina is $33,870 per year (median $30,870), which is 9.2% below the national average of $37,300.

How does North Carolina rank for Animal Caretakers pay?

North Carolina ranks 40th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($46,510/yr).

How much do entry-level Animal Caretakers make in North Carolina?

The lowest-paid 10% of Animal Caretakers in North Carolina earn about $23,210 per year and the 25th percentile is $28,540.

How much do Animal Caretakers make per hour in North Carolina?

About $16.28 per hour, based on the $33,870 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

How many Animal Caretakers work in North Carolina?

BLS counts 9,730 Animal Caretakers jobs in North Carolina (OEWS May 2025).

Explore more salary data