The average salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $33,910. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $33,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,480.
- Outlook: The current demand for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-12.3%below the national average.
$16.3
$652
$2,826
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 2 years, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA have remained stable with a modest increase of 7.3%. 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
The earning potential for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA 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 $28,980, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $45,480.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,980 | $13.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,433 | $12.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $29,840 | $14.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $42,388 | $20.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,480 | $21.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$33,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$33,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $33,910 to $33,910.
Job Market Context
60
Total Jobs
0.735
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.99x 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.
60 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA.
Only 0.735 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $33,910. This typically ranges from $28,980 for entry-level positions to $45,480 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 12.3% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $33,910 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($33,800) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 0.735 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA