The average salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $30,320. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,320 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $36,180.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-21.6%below the national average.
$14.6
$583
$2,527
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area have remained stable with a modest increase of 4.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $21,720, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $36,180.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $21,720 | $10.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $22,740 | $10.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $29,000 | $13.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $37,900 | $18.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $36,180 | $17.4 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,320
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,320
Adjusted for COL (100)
In South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $30,320 to $30,320.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.437
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.59x 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.
80 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Only 0.437 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $34,540↑ 14% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,020↑ 19% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $36,290↑ 20% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $30,320. This typically ranges from $21,720 for entry-level positions to $36,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 21.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $30,320 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($34,540) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.437 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area