The average salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $34,550. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.25x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.8% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,390.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area earns-10.6%below the national average.
$16.6
$664
$2,879
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area have seen a slight adjustment of -6.8%. 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Southwest 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 $45,390.
| 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) | $25,913 | $12.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,050 | $17.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $43,188 | $20.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,390 | $21.8 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $34,550 to $34,550.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.923
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
70 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Only 0.923 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 Southwest 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 Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is $34,550. This typically ranges from $28,730 for entry-level positions to $45,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 10.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($34,550), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest 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 70 employees in the Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 0.923 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 Iowa nonmetropolitan area