Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 31-9096As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the United States is $38,150 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 127,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $30,120 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $35,660 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $38,150 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $45,710 | Experienced |
| 90th | $49,150 | Senior / highest decile |
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| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $49,770 | $44,700 | 380 |
| District of Columbia | $49,080 | $55,760 | 240 |
| Massachusetts | $46,670 | $48,390 | 2,000 |
| California | $46,260 | $47,250 | 16,000 |
| New Jersey | $46,160 | $46,060 | 3,000 |
| Maine | $45,510 | $46,580 | 690 |
| Minnesota | $45,280 | $43,420 | 1,000 |
| Maryland | $44,770 | $45,950 | 2,000 |
| New York | $44,750 | $43,880 | 6,000 |
| Oregon | $44,370 | $43,630 | 3,000 |
| Connecticut | $44,250 | $46,150 | 1,000 |
| Washington | $44,150 | $45,170 | 4,000 |
| Hawaii | $44,070 | $41,970 | 570 |
| Colorado | $38,900 | $41,540 | 3,000 |
| Delaware | $38,610 | $43,270 | — |
| Montana | $38,340 | $38,550 | 550 |
| Arizona | $38,250 | $40,630 | 3,000 |
| Michigan | $37,960 | $39,060 | 4,000 |
| Wyoming | $37,880 | $36,120 | 150 |
| Florida | $37,830 | $40,030 | 7,000 |
| Utah | $37,560 | $40,330 | 580 |
| Idaho | $37,530 | $36,520 | 680 |
| New Mexico | $37,500 | $37,990 | 520 |
| Illinois | $37,480 | $39,410 | 3,000 |
| Virginia | $37,450 | $39,630 | 5,000 |
| Vermont | $37,290 | $37,630 | 370 |
| North Dakota | $37,160 | $39,540 | 270 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,140 | $38,720 | 4,000 |
| North Carolina | $37,070 | $37,540 | 7,000 |
| South Carolina | $36,980 | $37,000 | 2,000 |
| Nevada | $36,920 | $39,200 | 1,000 |
| New Hampshire | $36,910 | $37,800 | 770 |
| Wisconsin | $36,850 | $37,400 | 2,000 |
| Missouri | $36,660 | $37,810 | 2,000 |
| Alaska | $36,490 | $37,520 | 130 |
| Indiana | $36,420 | $36,310 | 3,000 |
| Ohio | $36,340 | $37,200 | 5,000 |
| Tennessee | $36,320 | $36,330 | 4,000 |
| Nebraska | $36,100 | $35,980 | 900 |
| Georgia | $35,850 | $36,380 | 5,000 |
| Alabama | $35,800 | $34,780 | 1,000 |
| Iowa | $35,720 | $37,050 | 1,000 |
| Kansas | $35,680 | $36,490 | 2,000 |
| Oklahoma | $34,850 | $34,200 | 2,000 |
| Texas | $34,850 | $35,730 | 8,000 |
| South Dakota | $34,700 | $33,240 | 250 |
| Arkansas | $34,570 | $33,520 | 1,000 |
| Kentucky | $34,140 | $33,710 | 2,000 |
| West Virginia | $32,350 | $32,260 | 730 |
| Louisiana | $30,480 | $32,670 | 1,000 |
| Mississippi | $30,360 | $32,570 | 560 |
| Puerto Rico | $23,310 | $25,870 | 430 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the US?
The US national median wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is $38,150 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the US?
Pay ranges from $30,120 at the 10th percentile to $49,150 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers the most?
The highest-paying states for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers include Rhode Island ($49,770), District of Columbia ($49,080), Massachusetts ($46,670). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Rhode Island ($49,770) pays roughly 114% more than Puerto Rico ($23,310). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02