Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area earn an average annual salary of $44,440. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,660, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The higher compensation in this metropolitan region is likely driven by a combination of factors, including a higher cost of doing business and a demand for skilled animal care professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,860.
- Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 820 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of a substantial local workforce indicates consistent demand for these roles within the region's veterinary and research sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns+15.0%above the national average.
$21.4
$855
$3,703
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 the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for animal care services typically drive salary increases, ensuring that professionals in this field see their compensation evolve.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement, rewarding dedication and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $34,680 | $16.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,330 | $16 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $40,350 | $19.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $55,550 | $26.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $59,860 | $28.8 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $44,440 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary earned by Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in this region offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. While the salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a significant advantage or disadvantage for those relocating.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
0.611
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 0.83x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.83 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson suggests that the job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and valued, it may not be a dominant industry within the local economy compared to other regions. The market is neither exceptionally competitive nor scarce, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $44,440. This typically ranges from $34,680 for entry-level positions to $59,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 15.0% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson earn $44,440 annually, which is higher than the national average. The local cost of living is also at the national average, making the higher salary more impactful.
Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($35,660) and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV.
How does the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is $44,440, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.83, indicating that the proportion of these jobs in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $44,440 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, with no significant premium or discount due to living expenses.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area?
There are approximately 820 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.611 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD