Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $35,420. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Auburn-Opelika, AL is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.66x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,590.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-8.4%below the national average.
$17
$681
$2,952
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Auburn-Opelika, AL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 23.9%. 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Auburn-Opelika, AL 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 $27,470, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $44,590.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,470 | $13.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,565 | $12.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,610 | $17.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $44,275 | $21.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $44,590 | $21.4 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $35,420 to $35,420.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
1.233
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Auburn-Opelika, AL has 1.7x 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.
90 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
1.233 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,760↓ 13% | 36 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $28,770↓ 19% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $35,420. This typically ranges from $27,470 for entry-level positions to $44,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 8.4% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, Auburn-Opelika, AL is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($35,420), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($30,760) and Southeast Alabama 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 90 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 1.233 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL