Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Roanoke, VA
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Roanoke, VA, earn an average annual salary of $33,420. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,660, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these regional pay variations is crucial for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,640.
- Outlook: The Roanoke market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, with a total local workforce of 220 individuals, indicates a moderate presence. However, a Location Quotient of 1.92 signifies a concentration nearly double the national average, suggesting a relatively robust demand for these specialized roles within the local economy compared to other professions.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Roanoke, VA earns-13.6%below the national average.
$16.1
$643
$2,785
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 Roanoke have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors, inflation, and increasing demand for animal care services likely contribute to a positive, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring extensive knowledge and responsibility, can command substantially higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and proven performance in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $29,190 | $14 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,065 | $12.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $33,260 | $16 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,775 | $20.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $42,640 | $20.5 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $33,420 in Roanoke aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income in Roanoke is equivalent to the national average, making the financial aspect of living in Roanoke stable relative to national standards.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
1.424
Per 1K Jobs
1.92
Location Quotient
Roanoke, VA has 1.9x 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.
Roanoke's Location Quotient of 1.92 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher relative to the national average, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Roanoke, VA is $33,420. This typically ranges from $29,190 for entry-level positions to $42,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 13.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While Roanoke has a higher concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.92), the average salary of $33,420 is below the national average of $38,660.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($36,450) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's cost of living affect the salary?
Roanoke's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $33,420 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical US city.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants in Roanoke?
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.92 indicates that Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers are nearly twice as concentrated in Roanoke compared to the national average.
How many Veterinary Assistants work in Roanoke?
There are approximately 220 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the Roanoke area.
Is the job market for Veterinary Assistants strong in Roanoke?
Yes, the high Location Quotient suggests a strong local demand for these professionals relative to other job types in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 1.424 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 Roanoke, VA