Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Wichita, KS
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wichita, KS, earn an average annual salary of $31,720. This figure is notably below the national average of $38,660, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower cost of labor contribute to this compensation difference. While the nominal pay is lower, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for evaluating its true value.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $31,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,230.
- Outlook: Wichita, KS, hosts a workforce of 290 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, indicating a moderately sized local job market. The Location Quotient of 1.27 signifies that this profession is more concentrated in Wichita than the national average, suggesting a potentially stable demand for these roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wichita, KS earns-18.0%below the national average.
$15.3
$610
$2,643
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic factors such as inflation, increased demand for veterinary services, and evolving responsibilities likely contribute to a positive, albeit potentially modest, salary progression in this field.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior caretakers with extensive experience and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting a clear percentile gap that signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,180 | $13.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $23,790 | $11.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $28,110 | $13.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $39,650 | $19.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $37,230 | $17.9 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$31,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$31,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $31,720 in Wichita, KS, aligns directly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is comparable to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
0.941
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Wichita, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.27, Wichita, KS, shows a higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers compared to the national average. This suggests a robust local market for these professionals, potentially indicating a competitive environment for job seekers but also a healthy availability of opportunities within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary | $30,360↓ 4% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wichita, KS is $31,720. This typically ranges from $27,180 for entry-level positions to $37,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 18.0% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the average salary of $31,720 is below the national average, the cost of living in Wichita is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. However, 'lucrative' typically implies earning significantly above average.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($30,360) and others.
How does Wichita's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wichita, KS, is $31,720, which is lower than the national average of $38,660.
What is the concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wichita?
Wichita has a Location Quotient of 1.27 for this profession, indicating a higher concentration than the national average, suggesting a strong local presence.
How does the cost of living in Wichita affect the salary?
Wichita's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $31,720 salary has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being nominally lower.
What is the total number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wichita?
There are approximately 290 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers employed in Wichita, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 0.941 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 Wichita, KS