Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Animal Caretakers in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $28,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $34,470, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure for these roles. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan areas often influences compensation levels compared to larger urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,340.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 340 Animal Caretakers, the job market in Southeast Iowa presents a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, opportunity. The Location Quotient of 0.93 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, indicating a consistent, baseline demand rather than a specialized or booming sector. This steady presence implies ongoing needs for animal care professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-17.3%below the national average.
$13.7
$548
$2,377
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Southeast Iowa is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and increased awareness of animal welfare likely contribute to modest annual increases in compensation for dedicated Animal Caretakers across the country, including this region.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Animal Caretakers typically correlates with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in animal handling, veterinary assistance, or specialized care can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, would signify the earning potential as one advances from a junior to a senior Animal Caretaker role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $20,500 | $9.9 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $21,390 | $10.3 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $24,780 | $11.9 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $35,650 | $17.1 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $37,340 | $18 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $28,520 in Southeast Iowa aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for Animal Caretakers, the purchasing power of that salary within the region is comparable to the national standard. Consequently, the lower salary does not necessarily translate to a reduced quality of life in terms of expenses.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
1.676
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has 0.93x the national average concentration of Animal Caretakers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that Animal Caretaker jobs are present in Southeast Iowa at a concentration nearly equivalent to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of Animal Caretakers closely matches the regional demand. It implies neither an oversaturated market with abundant competition nor a highly specialized niche with scarce opportunities, but rather a steady, consistent employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Animal Caretakers Salary | $39,820↑ 40% | 21 mi |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,330↑ 13% | 37 mi |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Animal Caretakers Salary | $26,930↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Cedar Rapids, IA Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,770↑ 8% | 79 mi |
| Iowa City, IA Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,040↑ 23% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $28,520. This typically ranges from $20,500 for entry-level positions to $37,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 17.3% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $28,520 is significantly below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, mitigating some of the impact.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($39,820) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
How does the Southeast Iowa Animal Caretaker salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in Southeast Iowa is $28,520, which is $5,950 less than the national average of $34,470.
What is the concentration of Animal Caretaker jobs in Southeast Iowa?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.93, indicating that the number of Animal Caretaker jobs in Southeast Iowa is slightly below the national average relative to the overall workforce.
Does the cost of living affect the Animal Caretaker salary in Southeast Iowa?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower salary, the purchasing power of an Animal Caretaker's income in this region is comparable to the national average.
How many Animal Caretakers are employed in Southeast Iowa?
There are approximately 340 Animal Caretakers employed in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.676 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area