Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area earn an average annual salary of $39,050. This figure is slightly above the national average of $38,660, indicating a stable demand for these essential roles within the local economy. The specific needs and economic drivers of the Fort Collins-Loveland region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,000.
- Outlook: The job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 300 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.32 signifies a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand relative to the national landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO earns+1.0%above the national average.
$18.8
$751
$3,254
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Fort Collins-Loveland is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for animal care services, inflation, and advancements in veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while senior caretakers with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The increasing salary gaps between experience levels reflect significant opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,640 | $14.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,288 | $14.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $37,860 | $18.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $48,813 | $23.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,000 | $22.1 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $39,050 in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant or Laboratory Animal Caretaker's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
1.718
Per 1K Jobs
2.32
Location Quotient
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO has 2.3x 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 2.32, Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker positions compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive market where employers may actively seek qualified candidates, potentially leading to more job openings and opportunities for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greeley, CO Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $39,170↑ 0% | 18 mi |
| Boulder, CO Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $42,330↑ 8% | 37 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $42,280↑ 8% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $39,050. This typically ranges from $30,640 for entry-level positions to $46,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 1.0% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation and a strong job market.The average salary slightly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of jobs indicates robust local demand. Furthermore, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary quite valuable.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greeley, CO ($39,170) and Boulder, CO.
What is the average salary for a Veterinary Assistant in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $39,050.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO ($39,050) is slightly higher than the national average ($38,660).
What does the Location Quotient of 2.32 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.32 indicates that jobs for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers are more than twice as concentrated in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
How does the cost of living in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO affect salary value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $39,050 salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing good financial stability.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area with a job density of 1.718 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 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO