Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Pennsylvania
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $38,070. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, indicating localized economic factors and demand play a role in compensation within the state. The specific pay rates are influenced by the concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape of Pennsylvania.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,070 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,010.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 4,390, Pennsylvania demonstrates a stable presence of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. The location quotient of 0.98 suggests that the concentration of these roles in Pennsylvania is very close to the national average, indicating a steady demand that aligns with national trends. This robust workforce size points to a consistent need for these essential professionals within the state's animal care and research sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Pennsylvania earns-1.5%below the national average.
$18.3
$732
$3,173
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 Pennsylvania have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, increased demand for animal care services, and advancements in laboratory animal science likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for dedicated professionals in this field.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Pennsylvania typically involves increased responsibility and specialized skills, leading to higher earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience and certifications can command salaries significantly above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on expertise and years of dedicated service in this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,390 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,553 | $13.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,480 | $17.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $47,588 | $22.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,010 | $22.6 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,070
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,455
Adjusted for COL (99)
The nominal salary of $38,070 in Pennsylvania aligns favorably with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is exactly at the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in Pennsylvania is very close to what it would be nationally, making it a stable financial environment for these professionals.
Job Market Context
4,390
Total Jobs
0.729
Per 1K Jobs
0.98
Location Quotient
Pennsylvania has 0.98x 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.
Pennsylvania's location quotient of 0.98 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers indicates a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of professionals aligns well with the demand, implying moderate competition and consistent opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $33,370↓ 12% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $34,900↓ 8% | 45 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,630↓ 6% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Pennsylvania is $38,070. This typically ranges from $30,390 for entry-level positions to $47,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 1.5% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, but it is stable.The average salary of $38,070 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating stable purchasing power.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($33,370) and State College, PA.
How does Pennsylvania's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Pennsylvania is $38,070, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a location quotient of 0.98 for this role, meaning the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Pennsylvania affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (national average is 100), the $38,070 salary in Pennsylvania offers purchasing power that is essentially equivalent to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for this profession in Pennsylvania?
There are approximately 4,390 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Pennsylvania.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,390 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.729 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 Pennsylvania