Average Animal Caretakers Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Animal Caretakers in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area earn an average annual salary of $31,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $34,470, suggesting localized market dynamics and potentially a higher concentration of entry-level positions influence compensation in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $41,340.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,040 Animal Caretakers, the job market in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC demonstrates a notable presence. The Location Quotient of 1.5 indicates a concentration of these roles that is 50% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for dedicated professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Animal Caretakers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-7.5%below the national average.
$15.3
$613
$2,656
Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Animal Caretaker salaries in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and increasing demand for animal welfare services. This upward trend likely reflects a combination of inflation, evolving industry standards, and a growing appreciation for the vital role animal caretakers play.
Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Salary progression for Animal Caretakers in this region typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of dedicated service can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry LevelStarting career. Focus on acquiring core skills. | 10% (Entry) | $27,330 | $13.1 |
| ExperiencedProficient professional working independently. | 25% (Junior) | $23,903 | $11.5 |
| Mid-LevelEstablished expert. Standard market value. | 50% (Median) | $28,960 | $13.9 |
| Senior LevelAdvanced skills, leadership or specialist role. | 75% (Senior) | $39,838 | $19.2 |
| Top TierIndustry leader / Executive level compensation. | 90% (Expert) | $41,340 | $19.9 |
Detailed Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $31,870 for Animal Caretakers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of an Animal Caretaker's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,040
Total Jobs
2.7
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has 1.5x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.5 for Animal Caretakers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC signifies a market that is more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for their services and a potentially competitive environment where specialized skills and experience can lead to greater opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,640↑ 2% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Hiring Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Animal Caretakers make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The median annual salary for a Animal Caretakers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $31,870. This typically ranges from $27,330 for entry-level positions to $41,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 7.5% lower than the national median of $34,470.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Animal Caretakers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Animal Caretakers is below the national benchmark. However, the higher concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.5) indicates strong local demand.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($32,640) and others.
How does the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Animal Caretakers in this region is $31,870, which is approximately $2,600 less than the national average of $34,470.
What is the concentration of Animal Caretakers in this area?
The Location Quotient (LQ) is 1.5, indicating that Animal Caretakers are 50% more concentrated in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Animal Caretaker salary?
The cost of living in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $31,870 salary has average purchasing power locally.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest?
With 2.7 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a steady presence of Animal Caretaker roles within the local labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,040 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 2.7 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 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC