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Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN

In Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $36,020. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, suggesting localized economic factors and demand influence compensation in this region. The specific needs and economic conditions within the Louisville/Jefferson County area play a significant role in shaping the pay scale for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,430.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN, is characterized by a workforce of 330 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a moderately less specialized market compared to national trends. The presence of 0.484 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,020

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN earns-6.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.3

Weekly

$693

Monthly

$3,002

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN

Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead roles, often requiring specialized skills or supervisory duties, can command substantially higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and expertise in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$27,760$13.3
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$27,015$13
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$35,410$17
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$45,025$21.6
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$46,430$22.3

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$36,020

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $36,020 in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average. Consequently, the nominal salary offers a standard of living comparable to the typical American lifestyle, without the added financial strain or benefit often associated with areas having significantly higher or lower living costs.

Job Market Context

330

Total Jobs

0.484

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN has 0.65x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.65 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN, indicates that this profession is less concentrated in the region compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present, it is not a primary hub for this specific occupation. The market is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Comparing salaries near Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN

Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is $36,020. This typically ranges from $27,760 for entry-level positions to $46,430 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is 6.8% lower than the national median of $38,660.

Is Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $36,020 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is average, there isn't a significant salary premium to make it highly lucrative.

Is Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?

Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($30,320) and West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is $36,020, which is $2,640 less than the national average of $38,660.

What is the cost of living in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?

The Cost of Living Index for Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is 100, which is exactly the national average.

Is there high demand for Veterinary Assistants in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN?

With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, suggesting moderate demand rather than exceptionally high demand.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.65 mean for this job?

A Location Quotient of 0.65 signifies that the proportion of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN is lower than the national average, indicating a less specialized job market for this role.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN area with a job density of 0.484 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.