In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $34,880. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where local economic factors and demand can influence compensation levels. The specific pay scale in this region reflects a balance between the cost of living and the localized demand for these essential animal care professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,130.
- Outlook: The job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, appears stable, with a total local workforce of 250 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but consistent demand for these roles within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-9.8%below the national average.
$16.8
$671
$2,907
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for veterinary services, and the need for skilled animal care professionals.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead roles, often requiring several years of dedicated experience and specialized skills, can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the value of expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,010 | $14.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,160 | $12.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $33,280 | $16 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $43,600 | $21 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,130 | $21.7 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $34,880 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living for professionals in this role within the region.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.612
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.83x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.83, the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the job market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $34,880. This typically ranges from $30,010 for entry-level positions to $45,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 9.8% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,880 is below the national average of $38,660, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($35,520) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is $34,880, which is lower than the national average of $38,660.
What is the Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in this area?
The job market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.83, suggesting a moderate level of demand relative to the national scale.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
There are approximately 250 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, 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 250 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.612 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA