Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $30,360. This figure falls below the national average of $38,660, indicating a regional pay disparity. Factors such as the lower cost of living and the specific demand within these rural communities likely contribute to this difference.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,890.
- Outlook: The job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas appears moderately robust, with a total local workforce of 420 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.5 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 50% higher than the national average, implying a stable or growing demand relative to the general workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas nonmetropolitan area earns-21.5%below the national average.
$14.6
$584
$2,530
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic factors and increasing demand for veterinary services typically drive salary growth, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these 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) | $20,610 | $9.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $22,770 | $10.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $28,230 | $13.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $37,950 | $18.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,890 | $22.1 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,360 in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This suggests that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average due to the balanced cost of living.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
1.108
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Kansas nonmetropolitan area has 1.5x the national concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.5, Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas exhibit a notable concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers compared to the national average. This indicates a job market where these professionals are relatively more abundant or in higher demand than in other regions, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for job seekers or a stable employment landscape.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, KS Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $33,240↑ 9% | 46 mi |
| Topeka, KS Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,810↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Wichita, KS Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $31,720↑ 4% | 67 mi |
| Lawrence, KS Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,990↑ 19% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kansas nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is $30,360. This typically ranges from $20,610 for entry-level positions to $45,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 21.5% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $30,360 is significantly lower than the national average, making it less lucrative from a pure earnings perspective.
Is Kansas nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Manhattan, KS ($33,240) and Topeka, KS.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 420 suggests a smaller, more specialized job market. While this can mean less competition for experienced individuals, it also indicates fewer overall opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.5 mean?
A Location Quotient of 1.5 signifies that Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers are 50% more concentrated in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or availability of these roles.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact salary perception?
The Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the expenses in Kansas's nonmetropolitan areas are on par with the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal salary directly translates to lower purchasing power compared to the national average.
Are there opportunities for career growth in this role in Kansas?
While specific growth data isn't provided, the presence of a concentrated workforce and the typical salary scaling with experience suggest that career progression and increased earnings are possible with acquired skills and tenure.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Kansas nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.108 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 nonmetropolitan area