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Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Maine

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Maine earn an impressive average annual salary of $46,790, significantly exceeding the national average of $38,660. This higher compensation in Maine can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a specialized local demand and a cost of living that, while slightly above the national average, is often balanced by these elevated wages.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,120.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 790 individuals in this role, Maine demonstrates a notable concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.67. This suggests a robust and potentially growing job market within the state, where the demand for these skilled professionals is higher than the national proportion.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,790

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Maine earns+21.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.5

Weekly

$900

Monthly

$3,899

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Maine

Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Maine typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command substantially higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution underscore the potential for substantial career advancement and increased earning power throughout one's career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$37,350$18
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$35,093$16.9
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$44,080$21.2
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$58,488$28.1
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$58,120$27.9

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,964

Adjusted for COL (111.5)

The average annual salary of $46,790 in Maine presents a mixed picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 111.5. While the salary is comfortably above the national average, the cost of living being 11.5% higher than the national benchmark means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat moderated. Nonetheless, the higher nominal wage likely offers a reasonable standard of living for many.

Job Market Context

790

Total Jobs

1.238

Per 1K Jobs

1.67

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Maine has 1.7x 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.

Maine's Location Quotient of 1.67 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers signifies a market that is 67% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these professionals within the state, suggesting a competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for those in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Comparing salaries near Maine

Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Maine?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Maine is $46,790. This typically ranges from $37,350 for entry-level positions to $58,120 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maine is 21.0% higher than the national median of $38,660.

Is Maine a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, Maine offers a lucrative environment for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $46,790 significantly surpasses the national average, and the strong concentration (LQ of 1.67) suggests robust local demand.

Is Maine a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Maine is 111.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Maine?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bangor, ME ($43,480) and Lewiston-Auburn, ME.

How does Maine's average salary compare to the national average?

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Maine earn an average of $46,790 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $38,660.

What is the job concentration like for this role in Maine?

Maine has a job concentration, or Location Quotient, of 1.67 for this role, meaning it is 67% more concentrated than the national average, indicating a higher prevalence of these jobs.

How does the cost of living in Maine affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 111.5, Maine is slightly more expensive than the national average. The $46,790 salary needs to be considered in light of these higher living costs.

What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Maine?

There are approximately 790 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Maine.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Maine area with a job density of 1.238 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.