The average salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $33,520. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,520.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 180 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-13.3%below the national average.
$16.1
$645
$2,793
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 25.8%. 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Southeast Iowa 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 $28,730, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $43,520.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,730 | $13.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,140 | $12.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $30,750 | $14.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,900 | $20.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $43,520 | $20.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,520 to $33,520.
Job Market Context
180
Total Jobs
0.888
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
180 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Only 0.888 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
Comparing salaries near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $33,520. This typically ranges from $28,730 for entry-level positions to $43,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 13.3% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Southeast Iowa 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $33,520 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($35,520) and Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 180 employees in the Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.888 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 Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area