Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area earn an average annual salary of $33,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,660, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The cost of living in Little Rock aligns precisely with the national average, making the nominal salary a direct reflection of purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,230.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 300 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR market demonstrates a stable, albeit modest, presence in this field. The location quotient of 1.14 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a localized demand that supports the existing workforce. This concentration, combined with the number of jobs per 1,000 workers (0.847), points to a steady job market for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR earns-12.3%below the national average.
$16.3
$652
$2,827
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Little Rock is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for animal care services typically drive salary growth, even in localized markets. This suggests that professionals in this field can anticipate gradual increases in their earning potential over time.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Salary progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression, rewarding accumulated knowledge, efficiency, and dedication to animal welfare and laboratory standards.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,090 | $13.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,440 | $12.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $29,640 | $14.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $42,400 | $20.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $37,230 | $17.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,920 in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, when juxtaposed with a Cost of Living Index of 100, indicates that the nominal earnings translate directly to national average purchasing power. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services remains comparable, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.847
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.14 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR, suggests a market that is slightly more concentrated with these professionals than the national average. This indicates a healthy, albeit not exceptionally robust, demand for these roles within the region. The job market is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is $33,920. This typically ranges from $28,090 for entry-level positions to $37,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 12.3% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $33,920 is below the national average of $38,660, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Arkansas nonmetropolitan area ($29,580) and North Arkansas nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Little Rock salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Little Rock is $33,920, which is $4,740 less than the national average of $38,660.
What is the Cost of Living in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR?
The Cost of Living Index for Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated are Veterinary Assistant jobs in Little Rock?
The Location Quotient of 1.14 indicates that Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker jobs are slightly more concentrated in Little Rock than the national average.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Little Rock?
There are approximately 300 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR area with a job density of 0.847 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- All Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Management Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Production Occupations Salary in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR
- Browse All Jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR