Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area earn an average annual salary of $41,400. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $38,660, indicating a modest premium for this role within the region. Local economic factors and the demand for skilled animal care professionals likely contribute to this slightly elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,040.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,060 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area demonstrates a stable presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.97 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is very close to the national average, implying a balanced demand and supply dynamic within the region's labor market.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earns+7.1%above the national average.
$19.9
$796
$3,450
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic growth, increasing demand for veterinary services, and inflation typically drive salary increases in most professional fields.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Salary progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically scales with experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience and certifications can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities within this profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,170 | $16.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,050 | $14.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $38,000 | $18.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $51,750 | $24.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $53,040 | $25.5 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,400 in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in the region is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
2,060
Total Jobs
0.718
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD has 0.97x 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 0.97 indicates that the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area has a job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers that is nearly identical in concentration to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are readily available but not necessarily in exceptionally high abundance compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $43,420↑ 5% | 28 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $38,130↓ 8% | 47 mi |
| Reading, PA Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,380↓ 12% | 48 mi |
Comparing salaries near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $41,400. This typically ranges from $35,170 for entry-level positions to $53,040 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 7.1% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
Yes, it offers a slightly above-average salary.The average salary of $41,400 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it a stable financial environment for these professionals.
Is Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD?
Some top paying nearby cities include Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($43,420) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is $41,400, which is slightly higher than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.97, indicating that the concentration of these jobs in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington is very close to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $41,400 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither exceptionally high nor low.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the region?
There are approximately 2,060 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,060 employees in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area with a job density of 0.718 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 Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD