Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Tulsa, OK
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tulsa, OK, earn an average annual salary of $32,390. This figure falls below the national average of $38,660, indicating a localized pay scale influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Tulsa metropolitan area. The cost of living in Tulsa aligns with the national average, making this salary comparison particularly relevant for potential and current professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,540.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 500 individuals in this role, Tulsa presents a concentrated market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. The Location Quotient of 1.5 signifies a higher concentration of these professionals in Tulsa compared to the national average, suggesting a robust demand or a well-established presence of animal care facilities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tulsa, OK earns-16.2%below the national average.
$15.6
$623
$2,699
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Tulsa is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have seen consistent, modest growth over the past four years, mirroring broader trends in the veterinary and animal care sectors. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for animal health services and a rising awareness of the importance of specialized animal care.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Tulsa, OK
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles, such as lead technicians or those with advanced certifications, can command salaries considerably higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $21,620 | $10.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,293 | $11.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $29,730 | $14.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $40,488 | $19.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $39,540 | $19 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $32,390 in Tulsa, OK, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in Tulsa is effectively aligned with the national standard, suggesting that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the local expenses do not disproportionately diminish its value.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
1.111
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Tulsa, OK has 1.5x the national concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.5 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tulsa indicates a job market that is 50% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for these specialized skills, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates within the Tulsa area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Tulsa, OK
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Tulsa, OK?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tulsa, OK is $32,390. This typically ranges from $21,620 for entry-level positions to $39,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tulsa, OK is 16.2% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Tulsa, OK a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $32,390 is notably lower than the national average of $38,660. The high concentration of these roles suggests demand, but not necessarily higher pay.
Is Tulsa, OK a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Tulsa, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tulsa, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($33,030) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does Tulsa's cost of living compare to the national average?
Tulsa, OK, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general expenses for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are on par with the rest of the country.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.5 mean for this job in Tulsa?
A Location Quotient of 1.5 signifies that Tulsa has a significantly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers relative to its overall workforce compared to the national average. This suggests a strong local industry presence in animal care.
Are there many job opportunities for Veterinary Assistants in Tulsa?
With a local workforce of 500 and a high concentration (LQ of 1.5), it indicates a substantial presence and likely consistent demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Tulsa.
How much more can experienced Veterinary Assistants earn in Tulsa?
While specific figures vary, experienced Veterinary Assistants can expect to earn significantly more than the $32,390 average, with senior roles potentially reaching higher percentiles of the salary distribution, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Tulsa, OK area with a job density of 1.111 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 Tulsa, OK