Animal Caretakers Salary in Western North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $28,430 -15.1% vs national
Median hourly $13.67
10th percentile $19,170
90th percentile $39,660
Employed locally 570
National median $33,470

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Animal Caretakers
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Western North Carolina
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $19,170
    25th
    $23,170
    50th (median)
    $28,430
    75th
    $34,080
    90th
    $39,660

    Top-paying metros for Animal Caretakers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    High Desert Utah nonmetropolitan area $49,980
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,670
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,590
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $39,460
    Napa, CA $38,770
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $38,420

    Related occupations in Western North Carolina

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$23,860
    Recreation Workers$36,560
    Childcare Workers$28,480
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$37,810
    First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$46,360
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$27,910

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Animal Caretakers in Western North Carolina is $13.67, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.87 or more per hour.

    Is Western North Carolina above or below average for Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Animal Caretakers salary in Western North Carolina is 15.1% below the national median of $33,470. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Animal Caretakers in Western North Carolina?

    Entry-level Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $19,170 per year in Western North Carolina. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,170.