In Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $34,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,660, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as supply and demand or the specific needs of the regional animal care sector, may be influencing compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,040.
- Outlook: The Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands area supports a local workforce of 2,080 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. With a Location Quotient of 0.87, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally concentrated job market. The presence of over two thousand professionals suggests a consistent demand for these essential animal care services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns-11.6%below the national average.
$16.4
$657
$2,847
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Houston is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring the increasing demand for animal care services nationwide. This growth is often driven by advancements in veterinary medicine and a greater societal emphasis on pet health and welfare.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify 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) | $22,870 | $11 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,620 | $12.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,300 | $16.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $42,700 | $20.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,040 | $22.1 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,160 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the pay is below the national average for the role, the cost of living does not exacerbate the difference, providing a balanced financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
2,080
Total Jobs
0.641
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.87x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.87 indicates that Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, has a slightly lower concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and supports a substantial workforce, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a moderate level of competition for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,600↓ 10% | 77 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $27,390↓ 20% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $34,160. This typically ranges from $22,870 for entry-level positions to $46,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 11.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,160 is below the national average of $38,660, although the cost of living is at the national average, mitigating some of the pay disparity.
Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($30,600) and College Station-Bryan, TX.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 2,080 indicates a substantial presence of these roles, suggesting consistent opportunities, though the slightly below-average location quotient implies it's not a primary hub for this profession.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
With 0.641 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric shows the relative prevalence of Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker roles within the broader Houston economy, indicating a moderate level of demand.
How does experience impact salary for this role in Houston?
Experience is a key driver of salary increases, with entry-level positions earning less than the average and senior roles commanding significantly higher compensation, reflecting a clear career ladder.
Is the Houston market competitive for Veterinary Assistants?
The location quotient of 0.87 suggests a market that is slightly less concentrated than the national average, implying a moderate level of competition that could be favorable for job seekers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,080 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.641 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 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX