Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Altoona, PA
The average salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Altoona, PA is $33,870. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Altoona, PA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,000.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Altoona, PA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Altoona, PA earns-12.4%below the national average.
$16.3
$651
$2,823
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Altoona, PA have remained stable with a modest increase of 5.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Altoona, PA
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Altoona, PA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $29,400, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $38,000.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,400 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,403 | $12.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,290 | $16.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $42,338 | $20.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $38,000 | $18.3 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Altoona, PA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,870 to $33,870.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.565
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Altoona, PA has 0.76x the national average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
30 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Altoona, PA.
Only 0.565 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Altoona, PA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Altoona, PA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Altoona, PA is $33,870. This typically ranges from $29,400 for entry-level positions to $38,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Altoona, PA is 12.4% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Altoona, PA a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Altoona, PA is $33,870 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Altoona, PA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Altoona, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Altoona, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include State College, PA ($34,900) and Chambersburg, PA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Altoona, PA area with a job density of 0.565 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Altoona, PA