In Athens-Clarke County, GA, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $32,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,660, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific needs and funding structures of local institutions likely influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,220.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 200 individuals in this role, Athens-Clarke County presents a concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 2.84 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, implying robust demand or a specialized local industry that relies heavily on this workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-15.1%below the national average.
$15.8
$631
$2,734
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Athens-Clarke County have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for veterinary services, and the need for experienced professionals.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while senior roles, often requiring extensive experience and advanced certifications, command higher compensation. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,350 | $13.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,608 | $11.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $30,460 | $14.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,013 | $19.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $39,220 | $18.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,810 in Athens-Clarke County aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, its purchasing power locally is on par with the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither exceptionally high nor low.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
2.103
Per 1K Jobs
2.84
Location Quotient
Athens-Clarke County, GA has 2.8x the national concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory 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 2.84 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Athens-Clarke County signifies a market with a strong concentration of these roles. This suggests that the area is either a hub for animal care and research or has a higher demand relative to its overall workforce size, making it a potentially competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for these professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $32,810. This typically ranges from $28,350 for entry-level positions to $39,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 15.1% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,810 is below the national average of $38,660. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($37,070) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the Athens-Clarke County salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $32,810, which is lower than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Athens-Clarke County?
Athens-Clarke County has a Location Quotient of 2.84, indicating a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Athens-Clarke County is at the national average. This means the $32,810 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
A total local workforce of 200 suggests a moderately sized but concentrated job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers within Athens-Clarke County.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 2.103 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA