Skip to content
AffordMap
Personal Care · North Carolina

How to Become a Animal Caretakers in North Carolina

Animal Caretakers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $28,900/year, which is 14% below the national average. North Carolina has a state income tax of ~4.5%. After taxes and rent, a animal caretakers takes home approximately $585/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$29K
Median salary in North Carolina
-14%
vs. national average
4.5%
State income tax
10,810
Employed in North Carolina

What a animal caretakers can afford in North Carolina

Gross annual salary$28,900
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.5% state tax)$1,997/mo
Median 2BR rent (North Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home70.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$28,900/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$585/mo

Becoming a animal caretakers in North Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Animal Caretakers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across North Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many animal caretakers positions in North Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain North Carolina licensure or certification

North Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for animal caretakerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the North Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in North Carolina

North Carolina employs 10,810 animal caretakers. The highest concentrations are in Durham-Chapel Hill and Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia.

Animal Caretakers salary by metro area in North Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Durham-Chapel Hill$31K$14.73/hr610
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia$30K$14.37/hr3,040
Raleigh-Cary$30K$14.34/hr1,770
Goldsboro$29K$13.96/hr60
Asheville$29K$13.88/hr800
Greenville$29K$13.83/hr130
Greensboro-High Point$29K$13.83/hr660
Burlington$29K$13.78/hr100
Pinehurst-Southern Pines$29K$13.76/hr170
Jacksonville$28K$13.69/hr270
Fayetteville$28K$13.64/hr250
Winston-Salem$28K$13.51/hr590
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton$28K$13.35/hr300
Wilmington$28K$13.32/hr640
Rocky Mount$28K$13.3/hr70

Animal Caretakers salary range in North Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$22K
25th percentile
$27K
Median (50th)
$29K
75th percentile
$35K
90th percentile (senior)
$40K
View jobs for Animal Caretakers
Currently hiring in North Carolina
View →
More openings for Animal Caretakers
Currently hiring in North Carolina
View →
Advance your nursing career
Online BSN and MSN programs — 45% off select certificates
View →
Full animal caretakers salary breakdown in North Carolina
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in North Carolina
After federal + 4.5% state tax
Calculate →
Compare North Carolina cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Animal Caretakers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a animal caretakers make in North Carolina?

The median animal caretakers salary in North Carolina is $28,900 per year ($13.9/hr). This is 14% below the national median of $33,470. Salaries range from $22,150 to $39,520.

What are the requirements to become a animal caretakers in North Carolina?

Animal Caretakers positions in North Carolina typically require High school diploma or equivalent. North Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the North Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a animal caretakers afford to live in North Carolina?

At the median salary of $28,900, a animal caretakers in North Carolina would take home approximately $1,997/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 70.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for animal caretakers in North Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for animal caretakers in North Carolina are Durham-Chapel Hill ($30,640), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia ($29,890), Raleigh-Cary ($29,830). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does North Carolina have state income tax for animal caretakers?

Yes, North Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.5%. On a $28,900 salary, this means roughly $1,301/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.