The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $35,730. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.95x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,950.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN earns-7.6%below the national average.
$17.2
$687
$2,978
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 25.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN 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 $28,180, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $48,950.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,180 | $13.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,798 | $12.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,740 | $16.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $44,663 | $21.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $48,950 | $23.5 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,730
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $35,730 to $35,730.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
1.444
Per 1K Jobs
1.95
Location Quotient
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN has 1.9x 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.
150 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN.
1.444 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is $35,730. This typically ranges from $28,180 for entry-level positions to $48,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 7.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($35,730), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kokomo, IN ($32,600) and Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN area with a job density of 1.444 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 Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN