Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Texas
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Texas earn an average annual salary of $33,170, which is below the national average of $38,660. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the overall economic landscape of the state and the specific demand for these roles within Texas's animal care and research sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,020.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 8,040 individuals, the role of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is present in Texas. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand within the state's job market.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Texas earns-14.2%below the national average.
$16
$638
$2,764
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Texas is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have seen modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the veterinary and animal care industries. This growth is often driven by increasing demand for animal services and advancements in veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Texas
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, often requiring several years of experience and advanced certifications, can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the increased responsibility and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $22,040 | $10.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,878 | $12 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $30,430 | $14.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,463 | $19.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,020 | $22.1 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,667
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $33,170 in Texas aligns with a Cost of Living Index of 93, which is 7% lower than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the reduced cost of living can help offset this difference, potentially offering a comparable or even improved purchasing power for residents.
Job Market Context
8,040
Total Jobs
0.581
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Texas has 0.78x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers are employed in Texas at a rate slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Texas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Texas?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Texas is $33,170. This typically ranges from $22,040 for entry-level positions to $46,020 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 14.2% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary in Texas is below the national average, though the lower cost of living offers some compensation. The concentration of these jobs is also slightly below the national average.
Is Texas a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($28,730) and Waco, TX.
What is the average salary for a Veterinary Assistant in Texas?
The average annual salary for a Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker in Texas is $33,170.
How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Texas ($33,170) is lower than the national average ($38,660) for this profession.
Is the cost of living in Texas higher or lower than the national average?
The cost of living in Texas is lower than the national average, with an index of 93 compared to the national baseline of 100.
How concentrated are Veterinary Assistant jobs in Texas compared to the rest of the US?
The concentration of these jobs in Texas, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.78, is slightly lower than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,040 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.581 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 Texas