Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Virginia
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $37,410. This figure is marginally lower than the national average of $38,660, suggesting that while demand exists, state-specific economic factors and the overall cost of operations may influence compensation levels. The concentration of these roles within the state's workforce also plays a part in shaping the local pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,800.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 4,880 individuals in this profession, Virginia demonstrates a significant presence of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers. The Location Quotient of 1.62 indicates a notably higher concentration of these jobs in Virginia compared to the national average, signaling robust demand and a potentially stable job market for skilled professionals in this field within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Virginia earns-3.2%below the national average.
$18
$719
$3,118
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Virginia is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased demand for veterinary services, and inflation typically contribute to modest annual salary increases in most professional fields.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles, often requiring more extensive training and responsibility, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,400 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $28,058 | $13.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,500 | $17.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,763 | $22.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,800 | $22 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,893
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $37,410 in Virginia aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4, which is just slightly above the national average of 100. This suggests that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power that is relatively stable when compared to the national standard, making Virginia a financially viable location for these professionals.
Job Market Context
4,880
Total Jobs
1.201
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Virginia has 1.6x 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.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.62 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers signifies a market concentration that is 62% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong and potentially competitive job market, where employers may actively seek out talent, and professionals have a good opportunity to find employment within their specialized field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Virginia
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Virginia is $37,410. This typically ranges from $30,400 for entry-level positions to $45,800 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 3.2% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Yes, with caveats.Virginia offers a slightly above-average concentration of these roles (LQ 1.62) and a cost of living very close to the national average. While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong job concentration suggests good opportunities.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($37,210) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Virginia is $37,410, which is slightly lower than the national average of $38,660.
Is the job market for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers strong in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia has a strong job market for this profession, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.62, meaning the concentration of these jobs is significantly higher than the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia compared to the national average?
Virginia's cost of living is slightly above the national average, with an index of 101.4 compared to the national baseline of 100.
How many Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers work in Virginia?
There are approximately 4,880 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Virginia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,880 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 1.201 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 Virginia