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Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Bellingham, WA

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Bellingham, WA is $40,940. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Bellingham, WA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.04x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $40,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,710.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Bellingham, WA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$40,940

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Bellingham, WA earns+5.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.7

Weekly

$787

Monthly

$3,412

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA

The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Bellingham, WA 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 $37,450, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $44,710.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$37,450$18
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$30,705$14.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$38,650$18.6
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$51,175$24.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$44,710$21.5

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$40,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$40,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Bellingham, WA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $40,940 to $40,940.

Job Market Context

140

Total Jobs

1.507

Per 1K Jobs

2.04

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Bellingham, WA has 2.0x 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.

140 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Bellingham, WA.

1.507 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions — a typical concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Bellingham, WA?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Bellingham, WA is $40,940. This typically ranges from $37,450 for entry-level positions to $44,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 5.9% higher than the national median of $38,660.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, Bellingham, WA is an excellent location for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($40,940) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($44,630) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 1.507 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.