Veterinary assistant salary: what the BLS data shows

Quick answer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $38,150 a year, or $18.34 an hour, in May 2025. Half earned more and half earned less. Pay varies with location, type of employer, experience and shift. For comparison, veterinary technicians had a median of $47,380, and employment of assistants is projected to grow 9% from 2025 to 2035.

Written byVeterinário Raiz TeamUpdated onOctober 12, 2026

How much veterinary assistants earn in the U.S. according to the BLS, what moves pay up or down, and how the role compares with vet techs.

The headline numbers

The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports, for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers:

Indicator	Value
Median annual pay (May 2025)	$38,150
Median hourly pay (May 2025)	$18.34
Number of jobs (2025)	132,100
Projected growth (2025–35)	9%, faster than average
Typical entry education	High school diploma or equivalent

These are national figures. They describe the whole occupation, not a promise about any single job.

Why the median matters

The median is the wage in the middle of the distribution. Use it as a reference point, then adjust for where you live and what kind of clinic you work in. A starting assistant with no experience will usually earn below the median; experienced assistants in high-cost areas often earn above it.

What pushes pay up or down

Location. Cities and high-cost states generally pay more, but rent and living costs rise too.
Type of employer. Emergency and specialty hospitals and research facilities often pay more than small general practices, partly because of night and weekend shifts.
Shifts. Overnight, weekend and holiday differentials add up.
Experience. Assistants who can handle difficult patients, train new staff or run inventory are more valuable.
Extra skills. Bilingual client communication, front-desk software and lab sample handling can justify a higher rate.

Assistant vs. technician pay

The BLS reports a median of $47,380 for veterinary technologists and technicians in May 2025 — about $9,000 more than assistants. The trade-off is education: technicians usually complete an associate degree and pass a state credentialing exam. For many people, working as an assistant first is a way to earn while deciding whether to invest in that degree.

Benefits beyond the paycheck

When comparing offers, look past the hourly rate:

health insurance and paid time off;
discounts on care for your own pets;
paid continuing education or tuition help;
uniform allowance and scheduling flexibility.

A clinic that pays slightly less but funds your technician training may be the better long-term deal.

How to negotiate your first offer

Know the range. Look up the BLS figure and check local job ads for the same title.
Bring evidence. Hours of shelter work, prior clinic experience or a recognized credential are concrete reasons for a higher rate.
Ask about reviews. Many clinics review pay after 90 days; ask what you need to show by then.
Get it in writing. Confirm hourly rate, shift differentials and benefits before you start.

Outlook

The BLS projects 9% growth in employment from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. Pet ownership and demand for veterinary care support that growth, and turnover in the role means openings appear regularly. The O*NET profile also tracks employment trends and wages and is worth checking for updates.

A realistic view

This is an entry-level, hourly job. It pays less than many jobs with similar physical demands, and burnout is real in busy clinics. People stay because they love the work and because it opens doors: to technician school, to practice management, or to veterinary school.

Frequently asked questions

Do veterinary assistants get paid hourly or salaried?

Most are paid hourly, which is why the BLS reports an hourly median of $18.34 in May 2025. Overtime, night shifts and holiday work can increase take-home pay, especially in emergency hospitals.

Does a certificate increase a veterinary assistant's pay?

It can help you get hired or start at a slightly higher rate, but there is no guaranteed raise. Experience, reliability and moving into a technician role tend to have a larger effect on pay.

Is the median the same as the average salary?

No. The median is the middle value: half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is less affected by a few very high or very low salaries than the average, so it better reflects a typical wage.