Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $40,610. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Fort Smith, AR-OK is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.29x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,760.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns+5.0%above the national average.
$19.5
$781
$3,384
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 39.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Fort Smith, AR-OK varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $27,620, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $38,760.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,620 | $13.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $30,458 | $14.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $30,930 | $14.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $50,763 | $24.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $38,760 | $18.6 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $40,610 to $40,610.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.955
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
90 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
Only 0.955 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $34,960↓ 14% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $31,710↓ 22% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $40,610. This typically ranges from $27,620 for entry-level positions to $38,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 5.0% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, Fort Smith, AR-OK is an excellent location for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($40,610) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($34,960) and Hot Springs, AR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 0.955 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 Smith, AR-OK