Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Birmingham, AL
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Birmingham, AL, earn an average annual salary of $32,230. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,660, suggesting that regional economic factors and the local demand for these specialized roles influence compensation. The specific economic landscape of Birmingham shapes the earning potential for this vital profession.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,570.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 310 individuals in this role and a Location Quotient of 0.82, the market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Birmingham indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.608) further suggests a consistent need for these professionals within the local healthcare and research sectors, without an overwhelming surplus or scarcity.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Birmingham, AL earns-16.6%below the national average.
$15.5
$620
$2,686
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Birmingham is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have experienced a modest upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased demand for animal care services nationwide. This growth is likely driven by inflation, rising operational costs for veterinary practices, and a growing appreciation for the essential support these professionals provide.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior caretakers or those with advanced certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,120 | $13 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,173 | $11.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $29,840 | $14.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $40,288 | $19.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $38,570 | $18.5 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,230 in Birmingham, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Birmingham as a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker would not result in a decrease in real income due to cost of living adjustments.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.608
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.82x 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 0.82 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Birmingham signifies that the concentration of these jobs in the area is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a disproportionately dominant employment sector compared to other regions. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $28,770↓ 11% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Birmingham, AL is $32,230. This typically ranges from $27,120 for entry-level positions to $38,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 16.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $32,230 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area ($28,770) and others.
How does Birmingham's cost of living compare to the national average for this role?
Birmingham's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the $32,230 salary has the same purchasing power in Birmingham as the national average salary has across the country.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Birmingham?
The Location Quotient is 0.82, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in Birmingham is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a stable but not overly dense job market for this profession.
How many Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers work in Birmingham?
There are approximately 310 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Birmingham, AL.
Are there many job openings for Veterinary Assistants in Birmingham?
With 0.608 jobs per 1,000 workers, the number of openings suggests a steady demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, though not an exceptionally high rate of new positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 0.608 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 Birmingham, AL