Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Massachusetts
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts earn an impressive average annual salary of $47,460, significantly surpassing the national average of $38,660. This higher compensation is likely driven by the state's robust economy, demand for skilled animal care professionals, and potentially higher operational costs for veterinary facilities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,460 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,650.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,470 individuals and a Location Quotient of 0.54, the market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts indicates a specialized but present demand. While not as concentrated as the national average, this workforce size suggests a stable need for these roles within the state's animal care and research sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts earns+22.8%above the national average.
$22.8
$913
$3,955
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the veterinary field. Factors such as increased demand for pet care, advancements in veterinary medicine, and inflation likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, leading to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, those with advanced certifications, or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increased value and expertise brought to the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $34,740 | $16.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $35,595 | $17.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,480 | $21.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $59,325 | $28.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $63,650 | $30.6 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,460
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,981
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
The average annual salary of $47,460 in Massachusetts must be considered alongside its high Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is diminished due to the significantly higher costs associated with housing, goods, and services in the state.
Job Market Context
1,470
Total Jobs
0.402
Per 1K Jobs
0.54
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 0.54x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.54 suggests that Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers are less concentrated in Massachusetts compared to the national average. This could imply a market where demand might be steady but not overwhelmingly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts is $47,460. This typically ranges from $34,740 for entry-level positions to $63,650 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 22.8% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $47,460 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating lucrative potential. However, the high cost of living means that the actual purchasing power of this salary is reduced.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($45,210) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
How does the Massachusetts salary compare to the national average?
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts earn an average of $47,460 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts?
The Location Quotient of 0.54 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Massachusetts compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate level of job availability relative to the workforce.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Massachusetts?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, Massachusetts is considerably more expensive than the national average. This means that the higher nominal salary may not translate to proportionally higher disposable income.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Massachusetts?
There are approximately 1,470 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Massachusetts.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,470 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 0.402 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 Massachusetts