The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $36,450. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 2.68x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,450 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,700.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-5.7%below the national average.
$17.5
$701
$3,038
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 31.2%. 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 Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA 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 $29,700, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $47,700.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,700 | $14.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,338 | $13.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,120 | $16.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $45,563 | $21.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,700 | $22.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,450
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,450
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $36,450 to $36,450.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
1.985
Per 1K Jobs
2.68
Location Quotient
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has 2.7x 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.
150 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA.
1.985 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke, VA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $33,420↓ 8% | 26 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $33,940↓ 7% | 69 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $38,060↑ 4% | 79 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,850↑ 1% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $36,450. This typically ranges from $29,700 for entry-level positions to $47,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 5.7% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($36,450), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($33,420) and Lynchburg, VA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 1.985 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 Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA