Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Oklahoma City, OK
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $33,220. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,660. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,740.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 600 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, Oklahoma City presents a moderately concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Oklahoma City, OK earns-14.1%below the national average.
$16
$639
$2,768
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Oklahoma City is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have experienced modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the veterinary and animal care sectors. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for pet care services and advancements in laboratory animal science.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, leading to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior or lead roles, often requiring several years of dedicated experience and advanced certifications, can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting the value of expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $21,480 | $10.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,915 | $12 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,350 | $16.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,525 | $20 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,740 | $23 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,220 in Oklahoma City aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in Oklahoma City is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the nominal salary effectively covers living expenses without a significant premium or discount compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
0.89
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Oklahoma City, OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
Oklahoma City's Location Quotient of 1.2 suggests that there is a slightly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers relative to the national average. This indicates a potentially competitive job market where employers may have a slightly larger pool of candidates to choose from, but also signifies a solid presence and ongoing need for these specialized roles within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Oklahoma City, OK is $33,220. This typically ranges from $21,480 for entry-level positions to $47,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 14.1% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, but it is average.While the salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent. The slightly higher concentration of jobs suggests a stable market.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Oklahoma City, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma City, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($33,030) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Oklahoma City salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Oklahoma City, OK is $33,220, which is less than the national average of $38,660.
What is the Cost of Living in Oklahoma City, OK?
Oklahoma City's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the national average.
How concentrated are Veterinary Assistant jobs in Oklahoma City?
The Location Quotient of 1.2 indicates that Oklahoma City has a slightly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers jobs compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Oklahoma City?
There are approximately 600 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Oklahoma City, OK.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 0.89 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 Oklahoma City, OK