Animal Caretakers Salary in North Carolina
The median pay for a animal caretakers in North Carolina is $28,900/year ($13.9/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $22K at the entry level to $40K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across North Carolina. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $29K get you in North Carolina?
About animal caretakers
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, North Carolina
Entry-level animal caretakers (10th percentile) start around $22K. Mid-career wages sit at $29K. Top earners bring in $40K or more, a $17K spread from bottom to top.
Animal Caretakers salary by metro in North Carolina
15 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $31K | +6% | 610 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $30K | +3% | 3,040 |
| Raleigh-Cary | $30K | +3% | 1,770 |
| Goldsboro | $29K | +0% | 60 |
| Asheville | $29K | -0% | 800 |
| Greenville | $29K | -0% | 130 |
| Greensboro-High Point | $29K | -0% | 660 |
| Burlington | $29K | -1% | 100 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | $29K | -1% | 170 |
| Jacksonville | $28K | -1% | 270 |
| Fayetteville | $28K | -2% | 250 |
| Winston-Salem | $28K | -3% | 590 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | $28K | -4% | 300 |
| Wilmington | $28K | -4% | 640 |
| Rocky Mount | $28K | -4% | 70 |
Showing 1–10 of 15 metros
Compare to other states
Track animal caretakers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when North Carolina numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do animal caretakers make in North Carolina?
The median is $28,900 a year, that works out to about $14 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $22,150, and experienced animal caretakers can clear $39,520. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $29K enough to live in North Carolina?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $1,997/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,284/month, which eats 64.3% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a animal caretakers salary go in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median animal caretakers salary is worth about $31,189 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do animal caretakers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.