Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Fort Wayne, IN
The average salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Fort Wayne, IN is $33,000. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,230.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 160 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Wayne, IN economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Wayne, IN earns-14.6%below the national average.
$15.9
$635
$2,750
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Fort Wayne, IN have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 20.1%. 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 Wayne, IN
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Fort Wayne, IN 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 $27,940, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $38,230.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,940 | $13.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,750 | $11.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,440 | $16.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,250 | $19.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $38,230 | $18.4 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Wayne, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,000 to $33,000.
Job Market Context
160
Total Jobs
0.7
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
Fort Wayne, IN has 0.95x 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.
160 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Wayne, IN.
Only 0.7 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. |
|---|---|---|
| Lima, OH Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,650↓ 1% | 59 mi |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $37,140↑ 13% | 59 mi |
| Muncie, IN Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $33,960↑ 3% | 63 mi |
| Kokomo, IN Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,600↓ 1% | 67 mi |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,620↑ 8% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Wayne, IN
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Fort Wayne, IN?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Fort Wayne, IN is $33,000. This typically ranges from $27,940 for entry-level positions to $38,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Wayne, IN is 14.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Fort Wayne, IN is $33,000 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Fort Wayne, IN. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Wayne, IN a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Wayne, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Wayne, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lima, OH ($32,650) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 160 employees in the Fort Wayne, IN area with a job density of 0.7 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 Wayne, IN