Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $42,280. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $38,660, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The higher compensation in this region is likely influenced by a combination of factors, including the cost of living and the concentration of related industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,570.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area supports a local workforce of 1,460 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. With a Location Quotient of 1.22, this indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+9.4%above the national average.
$20.3
$813
$3,523
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing demand for animal care services and a competitive labor market.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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 distinct levels of responsibility, expertise, and demand within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $37,140 | $17.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,710 | $15.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $43,910 | $21.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $52,850 | $25.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,570 | $21.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,280 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial 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 salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the increased pay is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,460
Total Jobs
0.902
Per 1K Jobs
1.22
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.22, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.22 signifies that Denver-Aurora-Centennial has 22% more Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers jobs per worker than the national average. This suggests a favorable job market for these professionals, with a higher likelihood of finding employment and potentially greater competition for desirable positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $42,280. This typically ranges from $37,140 for entry-level positions to $45,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 9.4% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, it offers a slightly above-average earning potential.The average salary of $42,280 is higher than the national average, and the strong Location Quotient indicates a healthy job market for these professionals.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($42,330) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $42,280, which is $3,620 higher than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The Location Quotient is 1.22, meaning there is a 22% higher concentration of these jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This indicates that the higher nominal salary is offset by the local cost of living, resulting in purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 1,460 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,460 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.902 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO