Animal Caretaker salary in North Carolina
Animal Caretakers in North Carolina earn a median of $30,870 a year ($14.84 an hour), based on BLS data for 9,730 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,120 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $35,360. North Carolina ranks 33rd of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 2.0 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $33,870, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,210 | $11.16 |
| 25th percentile | $28,540 | $13.72 |
| Median | $30,870 | $14.84 |
| 75th percentile | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $46,120 | $22.17 |
| Average (mean) | $33,870 | $16.29 |
Half of animal caretakers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,572.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,286.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,187.31 |
| Weekly | $593.65 |
| Hourly | $14.84 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,870 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in North Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $33,960 | 600 |
| Asheville, NC | $33,530 | 570 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $33,530 | 2,690 |
| Burlington, NC | $33,010 | 80 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $32,400 | 1,650 |
| Greenville, NC | $31,550 | 180 |
| Goldsboro, NC | $31,130 | 60 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $30,870 | 1,990 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $30,700 | 670 |
| Jacksonville, NC | $30,460 | 250 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $30,340 | 430 |
| Wilmington, NC | $29,520 | 610 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $29,310 | 230 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $29,070 | 230 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $28,520 | 60 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $28,200 | 150 |
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,210 |
| Washington | $40,570 |
| Hawaii | $40,130 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 |
| California | $38,700 |
| Arizona | $38,180 |
| New York | $37,840 |
| Colorado | $37,430 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 |
| Maine | $37,230 |
Related jobs in North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $37,680 | $18.11 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,680 | $12.83 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,140 | $14.01 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,450 | $22.33 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,410 | $18.47 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $45,400 | $21.83 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,130 | $18.81 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,120 | $18.81 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,740 | $16.70 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $32,570 | $15.66 |
| Funeral Attendant | $34,940 | $16.80 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal caretaker make in North Carolina?
The median salary for animal caretakers in North Carolina is $30,870 a year, or $14.84 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,210 for the lowest-paid 10% to $46,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in North Carolina earn at least $46,120 a year. The top 25% earn $35,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,210 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,540 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in North Carolina?
About 9,730 animal caretakers are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.