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Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in College Station-Bryan, TX

In College Station-Bryan, TX, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $27,390. This figure falls notably below the national average of $38,660, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Bryan-College Station area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $27,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $35,540.
  • Outlook: The job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in College Station-Bryan, TX, shows a robust presence, with a total local workforce of 380 individuals. The Location Quotient of 3.91 signifies a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized employment landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$27,390

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in College Station-Bryan, TX earns-29.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$13.2

Weekly

$527

Monthly

$2,283

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in College Station-Bryan, TX

Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while senior roles, commanding greater responsibility and expertise, can reach significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential throughout one's career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$22,950$11
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$20,543$9.9
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$28,660$13.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$34,238$16.5
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$35,540$17.1

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$27,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$27,390

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $27,390 in College Station-Bryan, TX, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, as indicated by the Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment for residents.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

2.899

Per 1K Jobs

3.91

Location Quotient

Major Hub

College Station-Bryan, TX has 3.9x 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.

With a Location Quotient of 3.91, College Station-Bryan, TX, exhibits a highly concentrated market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. This indicates that the region has a disproportionately large number of these professionals relative to the national average, suggesting a specialized demand or a strong educational pipeline feeding into these roles within the local economy.

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 College Station-Bryan, TX?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in College Station-Bryan, TX is $27,390. This typically ranges from $22,950 for entry-level positions to $35,540 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in College Station-Bryan, TX is 29.2% lower than the national median of $38,660.

Is College Station-Bryan, TX a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $27,390 is significantly lower than the national average of $38,660, making it less lucrative in nominal terms.

Is College Station-Bryan, TX a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in College Station-Bryan, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near College Station-Bryan, TX?

Some top paying nearby cities include Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX ($34,160) and North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 380 indicates a substantial, established community of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, suggesting a stable job market with ongoing opportunities, though potentially competitive.

What does a Location Quotient of 3.91 mean for this role?

A Location Quotient of 3.91 signifies that College Station-Bryan, TX, has nearly four times the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers compared to the national average, pointing to high local demand or specialization.

How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 impact the salary?

An index of 100 means the cost of living in College Station-Bryan, TX, is exactly average. Therefore, the $27,390 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary.

What are the typical career paths for Veterinary Assistants?

Career paths often involve gaining experience to move into senior assistant roles, specializing in areas like surgery or diagnostics, or pursuing further education to become a licensed veterinary technician.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the College Station-Bryan, TX area with a job density of 2.899 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.