Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $30,360. This figure is notably below the national average of $34,470, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different cost structure influence compensation in this coastal city. While the national average reflects broader economic factors, Wilmington's specific labor market conditions are key to understanding this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,370.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, presents a robust employment landscape for Animal Caretakers, with a total local workforce of 640 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.9 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand or a more specialized local industry that relies on animal care services. With 3.421 jobs per 1,000 workers, the presence of Animal Caretakers is more pronounced here than in many other regions.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC earns-11.9%below the national average.
$14.6
$584
$2,530
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Animal Caretaker salary growth in Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for pet services, and evolving industry standards likely contribute to modest salary increases for dedicated professionals in this field.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC, typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience, certifications, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local animal care sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $22,560 | $10.8 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $22,770 | $10.9 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $27,700 | $13.3 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $37,950 | $18.2 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $39,370 | $18.9 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $30,360 for Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of that salary within Wilmington is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the neutral cost of living, making the financial standing relatively stable.
Job Market Context
640
Total Jobs
3.421
Per 1K Jobs
1.9
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 1.9x the national concentration of Animal Caretakers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a highly concentrated job market for Animal Caretakers, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.9. This signifies that the demand for these professionals is nearly double the national average relative to the overall workforce. Such a high concentration suggests a robust local industry that heavily utilizes animal care services, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and employees.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Animal Caretakers Salary | $29,280↓ 4% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,200↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,270↓ 0% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,200↓ 1% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Animal Caretakers Salary | $29,210↓ 4% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC is $30,360. This typically ranges from $22,560 for entry-level positions to $39,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 11.9% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?
No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $30,360 is below the national average, the cost of living in Wilmington is also at the national average, creating a balanced financial standing. The high concentration of jobs suggests stable demand.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($29,280) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?
Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average of $30,360 annually, which is less than the national average of $34,470.
What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington has a Location Quotient of 1.9 for Animal Caretakers, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 90% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington affect Animal Caretaker salaries?
Wilmington's cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $30,360 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary in a location with a higher cost of living.
What is the total number of Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 640 Animal Caretakers employed in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 640 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 3.421 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wilmington, NC