Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary (2025)
Based on 126,580 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $30,120 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $35,660 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $38,150 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $45,710 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $49,150 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$30K
25th
$36K
Median
$38K
75th
$46K
90th
$49K
Highest Paying States for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $55,760 |
| Massachusetts | $48,390 |
| California | $47,250 |
| Maine | $46,580 |
| Connecticut | $46,150 |
| New Jersey | $46,060 |
| Maryland | $45,950 |
| Washington | $45,170 |
| Rhode Island | $44,700 |
| New York | $43,880 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is District of Columbia at an average of $55,760 per year, while New York has an average of $43,880 — a difference of $11,880. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 126,580 workers were employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Healthcare Support Occupations. The annual mean wage of $40,340 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 31-9096