Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Richmond, VA
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $36,740. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, a common occurrence in markets where specific industry demand may not yet fully outpace supply. The local economic landscape and the concentration of related industries play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,210.
- Outlook: Richmond, VA, supports a local workforce of 830 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. With a Location Quotient of 1.71, the concentration of these roles in Richmond is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for these professionals within the region. The presence of 1.266 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active job market for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Richmond, VA earns-5.0%below the national average.
$17.7
$707
$3,062
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Richmond is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for animal care services, advancements in veterinary medicine, and a general rise in the cost of living, all of which contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Richmond, VA, typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience and advanced certifications can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,870 | $14.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,555 | $13.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,500 | $17.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $45,925 | $22.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,210 | $21.7 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $36,740 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
830
Total Jobs
1.266
Per 1K Jobs
1.71
Location Quotient
Richmond, VA has 1.7x 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.
Richmond, VA, exhibits a notable concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.71. This figure, well above the national average of 1.0, suggests that the demand for these professionals in Richmond is proportionally higher than in many other parts of the country, making the job market relatively competitive and potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Richmond, VA is $36,740. This typically ranges from $30,870 for entry-level positions to $45,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 5.0% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Richmond's Cost of Living Index matching the national average ensures stable purchasing power. The high Location Quotient also indicates strong regional demand.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($34,770) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does Richmond's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Richmond, VA, is $36,740, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Richmond, VA?
Richmond, VA, has a concentration of 1.71 for this role, meaning it is 71% more concentrated than the national average, indicating a higher demand relative to the general workforce.
How does the cost of living in Richmond affect the salary?
Richmond's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that the $36,740 salary has the same purchasing power in Richmond as the national average salary does across the U.S.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Richmond, VA?
There are approximately 830 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Richmond, VA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 830 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 1.266 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 Richmond, VA