Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Merced, CA
The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Merced, CA is $40,880. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,090.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 50 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Merced, CA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Merced, CA earns+5.7%above the national average.
$19.7
$786
$3,407
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Merced, CA have remained stable with a modest increase of 6.7%. 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 Merced, CA
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Merced, CA 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 $36,000, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $48,090.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,000 | $17.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $30,660 | $14.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $39,120 | $18.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $51,100 | $24.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $48,090 | $23.1 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Merced, CA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $40,880 to $40,880.
Job Market Context
50
Total Jobs
0.601
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 0.81x 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.
50 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Merced, CA.
Only 0.601 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $43,040↑ 5% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $41,150↑ 1% | 52 mi |
| Salinas, CA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $45,050↑ 10% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $50,760↑ 24% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Merced, CA is $40,880. This typically ranges from $36,000 for entry-level positions to $48,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 5.7% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Merced, CA a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, Merced, CA is financially attractive for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. The average salary of $40,880 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($43,040) and Fresno, CA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 50 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 0.601 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 Merced, CA