SalaryNode

Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Salem, OR

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Salem, Oregon, earn an average annual salary of $41,470, surpassing the national average of $38,660. This higher compensation is likely influenced by a specialized local demand and the specific economic factors within the Salem metropolitan area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $41,470 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 37.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,340.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 200 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.44, Salem demonstrates a notable concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers compared to the national landscape. This suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these specialized roles within the region, indicating a healthy job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$41,470

The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Salem, OR earns+7.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$19.9

Weekly

$798

Monthly

$3,456

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Salem, OR

Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles, such as lead technicians or those with advanced certifications, can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting a substantial percentile gap that signifies career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$36,680$17.6
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$31,103$15
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$40,500$19.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$51,838$24.9
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$47,340$22.8

Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$41,470

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,470

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $41,470 in Salem, OR, 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 Salem is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

200

Total Jobs

1.069

Per 1K Jobs

1.44

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.44, Salem, OR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.44 indicates that Salem, OR, has a higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers than the national average. This suggests that the job market in Salem is relatively abundant with these professionals, potentially leading to a competitive environment for job seekers but also signifying strong local industry presence.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Salem, OR?

The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Salem, OR is $41,470. This typically ranges from $36,680 for entry-level positions to $47,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 7.3% higher than the national median of $38,660.

Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?

Yes, Salem, OR offers a slightly more lucrative environment for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers.The average salary of $41,470 in Salem is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating good earning potential.

Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?

Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($39,370) and Corvallis, OR.

How does Salem's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Salem, OR, earn an average of $41,470 annually, which is higher than the national average of $38,660.

What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Salem, OR?

Salem, OR has a concentration of 1.44 for this role, meaning it is 44% more concentrated than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of these professionals.

How does the cost of living in Salem affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Salem's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $41,470 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What does the total local workforce number mean for job seekers?

A total local workforce of 200 suggests a moderately sized, established market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Salem, OR.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 1.069 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.