SalaryNode

Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Columbus, OH

In Columbus, OH, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $38,200. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, indicating a competitive but stable compensation landscape. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Columbus metropolitan area play a significant role in shaping this salary.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,200 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,120.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,030 professionals, Columbus demonstrates a solid presence in the Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker field. The Location Quotient of 1.28 suggests that this role is more concentrated in Columbus than the national average, implying a healthy demand and a robust job market for these essential animal care specialists.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,200

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Columbus, OH earns-1.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.4

Weekly

$735

Monthly

$3,183

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Columbus, OH

Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains expertise and takes on more responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$29,810$14.3
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$28,650$13.8
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$35,580$17.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$47,750$23
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$46,120$22.2

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,200

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,200

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,200 in Columbus aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in Columbus is comparable to the national standard, making it a financially neutral location in terms of cost versus income.

Job Market Context

1,030

Total Jobs

0.95

Per 1K Jobs

1.28

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.28, Columbus, OH has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.

Columbus's Location Quotient of 1.28 indicates a higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive job market, but also signifies a strong and established demand for these services within the local community, offering ample opportunities for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Columbus, OH?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Columbus, OH is $38,200. This typically ranges from $29,810 for entry-level positions to $46,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbus, OH is 1.2% lower than the national median of $38,660.

Is Columbus, OH a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

No, but it is stable.While the average salary of $38,200 is slightly below the national average, it perfectly matches the national cost of living. This indicates a stable, rather than exceptionally lucrative, employment environment for these professionals in Columbus.

Is Columbus, OH a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbus, OH?

Some top paying nearby cities include North Northeastern Ohio nonmetropolitan area (noncontiguous) ($32,850) and West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area.

How does Columbus's salary compare to the national average for this role?

The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Columbus, OH is $38,200, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,660.

What is the job market like for Veterinary Assistants in Columbus?

Columbus has a robust job market for this role, with a Location Quotient of 1.28, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Columbus?

The cost of living in Columbus is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $38,200 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Columbus?

There are approximately 1,030 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Columbus, OH area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,030 employees in the Columbus, OH area with a job density of 0.95 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.