Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL
In St. Louis, MO-IL, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn an average annual salary of $36,680. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local animal care sector. Understanding these local dynamics is key to assessing compensation in this role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,680 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,840.
- Outlook: The St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area supports a workforce of 1,020 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the concentration of these roles in St. Louis is marginally higher than the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not exceptionally booming, demand for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in St. Louis, MO-IL earns-5.1%below the national average.
$17.6
$705
$3,057
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for St. Louis is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for veterinary services, advancements in animal care, and general inflation.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in St. Louis, MO-IL
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles, such as those requiring advanced technical skills or supervisory responsibilities, can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increased value and expertise brought to the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,290 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,510 | $13.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,430 | $17 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $45,850 | $22 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $44,840 | $21.6 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,680
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,680
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,680 in St. Louis, MO-IL aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This indicates that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services in St. Louis is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,020
Total Jobs
0.76
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, St. Louis, MO-IL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.03 signifies that St. Louis, MO-IL has a slightly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive job market where opportunities are present, but perhaps not overwhelmingly abundant, indicating a balanced supply and demand for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $35,420↓ 3% | 84 mi |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $32,480↓ 11% | 97 mi |
Comparing salaries near St. Louis, MO-IL
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in St. Louis, MO-IL?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $36,680. This typically ranges from $30,290 for entry-level positions to $44,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in St. Louis, MO-IL is 5.1% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $36,680 is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering no distinct financial advantage.
Is St. Louis, MO-IL a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in St. Louis, MO-IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near St. Louis, MO-IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, IL ($35,420) and Cape Girardeau, MO-IL.
How does the St. Louis salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in St. Louis, MO-IL is $36,680, which is $1,980 less than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in St. Louis?
St. Louis has a Location Quotient of 1.03 for this profession, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living in St. Louis affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, St. Louis matches the national average, meaning the $36,680 salary provides purchasing power consistent with the national median.
How many Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers work in St. Louis?
There are approximately 1,020 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the St. Louis, MO-IL area with a job density of 0.76 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 St. Louis, MO-IL