In the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI metropolitan area, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $38,290. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, indicating a minor difference in compensation within this specific region. Local economic factors and the demand for these specialized roles typically influence these pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,470.
- Outlook: The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area supports a local workforce of 510 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. With a Location Quotient of 1.23, this occupation is more concentrated in this region than the national average, suggesting a potentially robust demand and a stable job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI earns-1.0%below the national average.
$18.4
$736
$3,191
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is not provided, it's generally observed that salaries for veterinary support staff have seen consistent, modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the healthcare and animal care sectors. This upward trajectory is often driven by increasing demand for animal services and the need for skilled technicians.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead roles, often requiring several years of experience and advanced certifications, can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increased responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,420 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,718 | $13.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,560 | $17.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $47,863 | $23 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,470 | $22.8 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,290
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,290 in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary effectively covers living expenses without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
0.91
Per 1K Jobs
1.23
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.23, Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.23 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI signifies that this occupation is 23% more concentrated here than in the average U.S. location. This higher concentration suggests a stronger local demand relative to the national average, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $38,290. This typically ranges from $29,420 for entry-level positions to $47,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 1.0% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI ($33,340) and Kalamazoo-Portage, MI.
How does the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI is $38,290, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.23, indicating that this occupation is 23% more concentrated in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $38,290 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low relative to expenses.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area?
There are approximately 510 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI 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 510 employees in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI area with a job density of 0.91 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 Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI