Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $44,000. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $38,660, indicating a strong local demand for these essential roles. The higher compensation in this region is likely driven by a combination of specialized industry needs and the overall economic landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $44,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,170.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area demonstrates a robust job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, with a total local workforce of 1,770 individuals in this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.97 suggests that this role is nearly twice as concentrated in this metropolitan area compared to the national average, signaling a healthy and sustained demand for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+13.8%above the national average.
$21.2
$846
$3,667
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors and increasing demand for animal care services typically drive upward salary adjustments, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving job market.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The observable gaps between salary percentiles clearly signify the career advancement opportunities and earning potential available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,230 | $18.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $33,000 | $15.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $44,190 | $21.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $55,000 | $26.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $49,170 | $23.6 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$44,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $44,000 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro 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 this region is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without significant financial strain related to local expenses.
Job Market Context
1,770
Total Jobs
1.458
Per 1K Jobs
1.97
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 2.0x the national concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.97, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area exhibits a job market that is notably concentrated with Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. This high concentration suggests a competitive environment where employers actively seek these professionals, and employees benefit from a market that values their specialized skills, often translating to better job opportunities and compensation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $41,470↓ 6% | 44 mi |
| Albany, OR Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $39,370↓ 11% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $38,640↓ 12% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $44,000. This typically ranges from $38,230 for entry-level positions to $49,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 13.8% higher than the national median of $38,660.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $44,000 is significantly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($41,470) and Albany, OR.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $44,000, which is notably higher than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of this job in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
The Location Quotient of 1.97 indicates that this profession is nearly twice as concentrated in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area compared to the national average, suggesting high demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $44,000 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the area?
There are approximately 1,770 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 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 1,770 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 1.458 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA