SalaryNode

Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Harrisonburg, VA

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Harrisonburg, VA is $35,920. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $35,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,440.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Harrisonburg, VA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$35,920

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Harrisonburg, VA earns-7.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.3

Weekly

$691

Monthly

$2,993

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Harrisonburg, VA

The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Harrisonburg, VA 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 $30,660, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $44,440.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$30,660$14.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$26,940$13
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$34,850$16.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$44,900$21.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$44,440$21.4

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$35,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$35,920

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Harrisonburg, VA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $35,920 to $35,920.

Job Market Context

60

Total Jobs

0.87

Per 1K Jobs

1.18

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.18, Harrisonburg, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.

60 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Harrisonburg, VA.

Only 0.87 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Harrisonburg, VA?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Harrisonburg, VA is $35,920. This typically ranges from $30,660 for entry-level positions to $44,440 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Harrisonburg, VA is 7.1% lower than the national median of $38,660.

Is Harrisonburg, VA 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 Harrisonburg, VA is $35,920 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Harrisonburg, VA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Harrisonburg, VA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Harrisonburg, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Harrisonburg, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA ($33,970) and Charlottesville, VA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Harrisonburg, VA area with a job density of 0.87 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.