SalaryNode

Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Modesto, CA

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Modesto, CA, earn an average annual salary of $43,040, significantly exceeding the national average of $38,660. This higher compensation in Modesto can be attributed to a combination of local demand and the specific needs of the region's animal care sector, influencing pay rates for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,040 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $50,410.
  • Outlook: The Modesto job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers appears robust, indicated by a total local workforce of 200 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.42 suggests a higher concentration of these roles in Modesto compared to the national average, pointing towards a sustained or growing demand for these professionals within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,040

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Modesto, CA earns+11.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.7

Weekly

$828

Monthly

$3,587

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA

Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, often requiring several years of experience and advanced certifications, can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$36,650$17.6
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$32,280$15.5
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$38,410$18.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$53,800$25.9
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$50,410$24.2

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,040

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,040

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $43,040 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal salary in Modesto offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is above the national average, the cost of living does not inflate expenses disproportionately, making the Modesto compensation competitive on a real-terms basis.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

1.053

Per 1K Jobs

1.42

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.42, Modesto, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.42 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Modesto signifies a notable concentration of these jobs relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in Modesto is more specialized or in higher demand for these roles than the average U.S. city, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Modesto, CA?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Modesto, CA is $43,040. This typically ranges from $36,650 for entry-level positions to $50,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 11.3% higher than the national median of $38,660.

Is Modesto, CA a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, Modesto offers a lucrative environment for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $43,040 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power for local professionals.

Is Modesto, CA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Merced, CA ($40,880) and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA.

How does the Modesto salary compare to the national average?

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Modesto earn an average of $43,040 annually, which is $4,380 more than the national average of $38,660.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient in Modesto?

A Location Quotient of 1.42 indicates that Modesto has a higher concentration of Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker jobs than the national average, suggesting stronger local demand.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Modesto's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $43,040 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.

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

There are approximately 200 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Modesto, CA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 1.053 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.