The average salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $37,440. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.49x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,640.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 120 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns-3.2%below the national average.
$18
$720
$3,120
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 3 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 22.7%. 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Southwest Colorado 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 $30,470, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $45,640.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,470 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,080 | $13.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,980 | $17.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,800 | $22.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,640 | $21.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $37,440 to $37,440.
Job Market Context
120
Total Jobs
1.102
Per 1K Jobs
1.49
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.49, Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
120 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
1.102 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $38,660↑ 3% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $42,280↑ 13% | 54 mi |
| Boulder, CO Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $42,330↑ 13% | 67 mi |
| Greeley, CO Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $39,170↑ 5% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $37,440. This typically ranges from $30,470 for entry-level positions to $45,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 3.2% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($37,440), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($38,660) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 120 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.102 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area