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Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Boulder, CO

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Boulder, CO, earn an average annual salary of $42,330. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $38,660, indicating a premium for this role within the Boulder area. Localized demand and a potentially higher cost of doing business likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $42,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 43.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,840.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.84, Boulder exhibits a strong concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers relative to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these specialized roles within the city's economy, indicating a healthy job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$42,330

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Boulder, CO earns+9.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.4

Weekly

$814

Monthly

$3,528

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO

Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Boulder, CO, is typically marked by increasing compensation. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a significant salary scale based on expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$35,790$17.2
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$31,748$15.3
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$43,470$20.9
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$52,913$25.4
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$47,840$23

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$42,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,330

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $42,330 in Boulder, CO, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage in terms of cost of living.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

1.363

Per 1K Jobs

1.84

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Boulder, CO has 1.8x 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.

A Location Quotient of 1.84 signifies that Boulder, CO, has a significantly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure and retain talent, while also indicating a strong ecosystem for these professionals.

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 Boulder, CO?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Boulder, CO is $42,330. This typically ranges from $35,790 for entry-level positions to $47,840 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 9.5% higher than the national median of $38,660.

Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, Boulder, CO offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $42,330 is higher than the national average, and the strong concentration indicated by the Location Quotient suggests good demand.

Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($42,280) and Greeley, CO.

How does Boulder's cost of living affect the salary?

Boulder's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $42,330 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary of $38,660.

What does the Location Quotient of 1.84 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 1.84 indicates a higher density of these jobs in Boulder compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially robust job market but also increased competition.

How many Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers work in Boulder?

There are approximately 270 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Boulder, CO.

What is the job concentration per 1,000 workers in Boulder?

For every 1,000 workers in Boulder, there are approximately 1.363 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 1.363 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.