North Carolina ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for animal caretakers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,400) by $9,500 — a 33% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $22,150 to $39,520 — a $17,370 spread, 21% tighter than the national $21,980 range.
Animal Caretakers are more concentrated in North Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.23 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.23× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $22,150 | $10.65 |
| 25th percentile | $26,690 | $12.83 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $28,900 | $13.90 |
| 75th percentile | $35,020 | $16.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $39,520 | $19.00 |
| Mean (average) | $31,480 | $15.14 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $28,900 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,400 | +33% |
| District of Columbia | $37,980 | +31% |
| California | $37,200 | +29% |
| Massachusetts | $36,910 | +28% |
| New York | $36,500 | +26% |
| Connecticut | $36,330 | +26% |
| Maine | $36,310 | +26% |
| Maryland | $35,990 | +25% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,760 | 85,120 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $28,700 | 1,970 |
| Dishwashers | $29,150 | 12,540 |
| Childcare Workers | $28,480 | 12,200 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $28,460 | 74,110 |
| Food Preparation Workers | $29,410 | 24,420 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Animal Caretakers salary in North Carolina?
The mean animal caretakers salary in North Carolina is $31,480 per year. The median (middle) salary is $28,900 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Caretakers in North Carolina?
Entry-level animal caretakerss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $22,150 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $26,690 per year.
What is the highest Animal Caretakers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $39,520 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,020 per year.
How does the North Carolina Animal Caretakers salary compare to the national average?
The median animal caretakers salary in North Carolina is $28,900, which is -14% below national average of $33,470.