SalaryNode

Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Virginia

Animal Caretakers in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $33,820, which is slightly below the national average of $34,470. This marginal difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand within the state and the overall cost of living, which influences compensation benchmarks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,820 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,500.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 9,610 Animal Caretakers, Virginia demonstrates a significant presence in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.31 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for animal care services within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,820

The average Animal Caretakers in Virginia earns-1.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.3

Weekly

$650

Monthly

$2,818

Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Virginia

Career progression for Animal Caretakers in Virginia typically involves a clear salary scale. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay spectrum, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level pay reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, expertise, and responsibility within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills.10% (Entry)$27,800$13.4
ExperiencedProficient professional working independently.25% (Junior)$25,365$12.2
Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value.50% (Median)$30,830$14.8
Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role.75% (Senior)$42,275$20.3
Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation.90% (Expert)$44,500$21.4

Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,820

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,353

Adjusted for COL (101.4)

The average annual salary of $33,820 in Virginia presents a moderate financial standing when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This index indicates that the cost of living in Virginia is just slightly above the national average, meaning the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is relatively in line with, or marginally less than, the national average.

Job Market Context

9,610

Total Jobs

2.364

Per 1K Jobs

1.31

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.31, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.

Virginia's Animal Caretaker market exhibits a notable concentration, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.31. This figure suggests that the demand for Animal Caretakers in Virginia is 31% higher than the national average relative to the overall workforce size. This indicates a competitive yet potentially opportunity-rich environment for those seeking employment in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers

CitySalaryDist.
Charlottesville, VA Animal Caretakers Salary$33,160↓ 2%25 mi
Richmond, VA Animal Caretakers Salary$32,640↓ 3%41 mi
Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Animal Caretakers Salary$32,170↓ 5%56 mi
Harrisonburg, VA Animal Caretakers Salary$32,630↓ 4%60 mi
Lynchburg, VA Animal Caretakers Salary$30,060↓ 11%61 mi

Comparing salaries near Virginia

Hiring Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Virginia is $33,820. This typically ranges from $27,800 for entry-level positions to $44,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Virginia is 1.9% lower than the national median of $34,470.

Is Virginia a lucrative place for Animal Caretakerss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While Virginia has a higher concentration of Animal Caretakers, the average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is just above it.

Is Virginia a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($33,160) and Richmond, VA.

How does the number of Animal Caretakers in Virginia compare nationally?

Virginia employs 9,610 Animal Caretakers, representing a significant portion of the workforce with a concentration 31% higher than the national average.

What is the average salary for an Animal Caretaker in Virginia?

The average annual salary for an Animal Caretaker in Virginia is $33,820.

How does Virginia's cost of living affect an Animal Caretaker's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia is slightly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $33,820 salary offers purchasing power just below the national average.

Are there many job opportunities for Animal Caretakers in Virginia?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.31 indicates a higher-than-average demand and concentration of Animal Caretaker roles in Virginia.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,610 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 2.364 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Virginia