Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA
The average salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Cedar Rapids, IA is $33,800. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,800.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Cedar Rapids, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Cedar Rapids, IA earns-12.6%below the national average.
$16.3
$650
$2,817
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Cedar Rapids, IA have shown healthy growth of 18.0%. 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 Cedar Rapids, IA
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Cedar Rapids, IA 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 $29,310, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $44,800.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,310 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,350 | $12.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $30,700 | $14.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $42,250 | $20.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $44,800 | $21.5 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,800 to $33,800.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.677
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Cedar Rapids, IA has 0.91x 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.
90 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Only 0.677 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Cedar Rapids, IA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Cedar Rapids, IA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Cedar Rapids, IA is $33,800. This typically ranges from $29,310 for entry-level positions to $44,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Cedar Rapids, IA is 12.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $33,800 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Cedar Rapids, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Cedar Rapids, IA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Cedar Rapids, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA ($33,910) and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Cedar Rapids, IA area with a job density of 0.677 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 Cedar Rapids, IA