Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $37,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation within this metropolitan area. Factors such as the cost of living and the concentration of related industries can influence these pay scales.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,640.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 820 individuals in this role, Kansas City presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, employment landscape for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. The location quotient of 1.02 indicates a concentration that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply within the region. This steady presence signifies consistent opportunities for those entering or established in this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-4.2%below the national average.
$17.8
$712
$3,086
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Kansas City is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns and inflation. The increasing demand for veterinary services and advancements in laboratory animal care likely contribute to a gradual increase in compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, which directly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring extensive knowledge and responsibility, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,350 | $14.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,773 | $13.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,430 | $17 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,288 | $22.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,640 | $22.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $37,030 in Kansas City, MO-KS aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in Kansas City is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary offers a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
0.754
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Kansas City, MO-KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
The location quotient of 1.02 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas City, MO-KS indicates that the concentration of these jobs in the area is very slightly above the national average. This suggests a healthy, balanced job market where the demand for these professionals is met by a comparable supply, making it neither overly competitive nor exceptionally abundant.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,990↓ 3% | 38 mi |
| Topeka, KS Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,810↓ 11% | 60 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas City, MO-KS is $37,030. This typically ranges from $29,350 for entry-level positions to $47,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 4.2% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $37,030 is slightly below the national average of $38,660, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average. This indicates that while opportunities exist, the compensation is not significantly higher than the national benchmark.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($35,990) and Topeka, KS.
What is the average salary for a Veterinary Assistant in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The average annual salary for a Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker in Kansas City, MO-KS is $37,030.
How does the Kansas City salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Kansas City ($37,030) is slightly lower than the national average ($38,660) for this profession.
Is the job market for Veterinary Assistants strong in Kansas City?
The job market is stable, with a location quotient very close to the national average, indicating a balanced supply and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Kansas City affect salary perception?
With a cost of living index of 100 (the national average), the $37,030 salary in Kansas City offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 0.754 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 Kansas City, MO-KS