SalaryNode

Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $35,520. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,440.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 190 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Chattanooga, TN-GA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,520

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-8.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.1

Weekly

$683

Monthly

$2,960

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Chattanooga, TN-GA 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 $30,520, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $42,440.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$30,520$14.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$26,640$12.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$35,820$17.2
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$44,400$21.3
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$42,440$20.4

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,520

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Chattanooga, TN-GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $35,520 to $35,520.

Job Market Context

190

Total Jobs

0.698

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.94x 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.

190 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Chattanooga, TN-GA.

Only 0.698 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $35,520. This typically ranges from $30,520 for entry-level positions to $42,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 8.1% lower than the national median of $38,660.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA 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 Chattanooga, TN-GA is $35,520 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Chattanooga, TN-GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Rome, GA ($30,930) and Huntsville, AL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 190 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.698 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.