Average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $36,870. This figure is slightly below the national average of $38,660, indicating that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation. Factors such as the specific needs of local veterinary facilities and research institutions, alongside the overall economic landscape of Wilmington, contribute to this salary level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,930.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, hosts a concentrated workforce of 400 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, with a Location Quotient of 2.88, signifying a significantly higher presence than the national average. This robust concentration, coupled with 2.135 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggests a healthy and potentially growing demand for these specialized roles within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC earns-4.6%below the national average.
$17.7
$709
$3,073
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington is not provided, the veterinary and animal care sector nationally has experienced consistent growth over the past four years. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wilmington have also seen a gradual upward trend, mirroring national patterns of increased demand and evolving responsibilities within the field.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior roles, often requiring extensive experience and advanced certifications, can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,630 | $14.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,653 | $13.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $36,060 | $17.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,088 | $22.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $44,930 | $21.6 |
Detailed Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,870 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinary Assistant's salary in Wilmington is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary effectively covers typical living expenses without a significant premium or discount.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
2.135
Per 1K Jobs
2.88
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 2.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.88, Wilmington, NC, demonstrates a strong concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers relative to the national average. This indicates a robust local market with a higher proportion of these professionals than typically found elsewhere, suggesting a potentially competitive environment for job seekers but also a strong ecosystem of related facilities and services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Wilmington, NC is $36,870. This typically ranges from $30,630 for entry-level positions to $44,930 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 4.6% lower than the national median of $38,660.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $36,870 is slightly below the national average. The high concentration of professionals suggests a competitive market rather than exceptionally high pay.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($35,420) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Wilmington job market compare to the national average for this role?
Wilmington has a significantly higher concentration of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.88, suggesting a more specialized local demand.
What is the average salary for a Veterinary Assistant in Wilmington, NC?
The average annual salary for a Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker in Wilmington, NC, is $36,870.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington affect salary expectations?
Wilmington's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $36,870 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a Location Quotient of 2.88 mean for this profession in Wilmington?
A Location Quotient of 2.88 means that Wilmington has 2.88 times the number of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers per worker compared to the national average, indicating a strong local presence and demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 2.135 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 Wilmington, NC