Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the United States is $38,150 per year — about $18 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $35,660 and $45,710 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $49,200 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $39,160 |
| Ithaca, NY | $43,900 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $45,910 |
| Yuba City, CA | $45,490 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $44,530 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $49,210 |
| Salem, OR | $44,460 |
| Modesto, CA | $45,560 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $37,770 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make in the US?
The median salary is $38,150 per year (about $18 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $35,660 and $45,710 a year.
How much do Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make per hour?
About $18 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $38,150 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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