Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers support animal care in clinical and laboratory settings. Nationally, this occupation employs about 118,000 people, indicating a sizable workforce. The national median annual salary is $37,320, with higher pay available in certain states and metro areas. Projected employment growth of 8.7% suggests expanding opportunities over time, supported by an estimated 22,000 annual openings. This combination of an established employment base, measurable growth, and steady openings can appeal to people seeking consistent entry paths into animal-related work. The role draws on a mix of customer service, interpersonal abilities, and detail orientation, along with science knowledge and physical strength and stamina. Skills in mathematics, mechanical aptitude, fine motor abilities, adaptability, and even project management can also add value. With a typical education requirement of a high school diploma or equivalent, the field offers a pathway into healthcare support work without the need for an advanced degree at entry level.
The national median annual salary for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is $37,320. Earnings vary by location, and several states offer notably higher median salaries. California reports a median salary of $46,260, Massachusetts $46,670, New York $44,750, Washington $44,150, and Colorado $38,900. Among metro areas, pay can be even higher. The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metro shows a median salary of $49,400, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is close behind at $49,210. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro has a median of $46,160, while Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH is $45,790 and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $45,320. These figures illustrate that while the national median provides a baseline, choosing certain states or metro areas can significantly change earning potential within this occupation.
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers have national employment of about 118,000 workers, indicating a well-established occupation. Projected employment growth is 8.7%, pointing to an expansion of jobs over the projection period. With an estimated 22,000 annual openings, there are recurring opportunities for new entrants and for workers changing jobs within the field. This pattern of growth, combined with substantial annual openings, suggests that job seekers may encounter ongoing hiring needs across various regions and employers. The presence of multiple related occupations—such as veterinary technologists and technicians, medical equipment preparers, healthcare support workers (all other), health technologists and technicians (all other), and emergency medical technicians—may also give individuals room to explore adjacent career paths over time. Overall, the combination of current employment, projected growth, and openings points to a field with sustained demand for new veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.
Location makes a meaningful difference in opportunities for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers. Based on CareerGPS opportunity scores, California ranks highest among states, with a score of 67.38, a median salary of $46,260, employment of 16,080, and projected growth of 8.7%. Massachusetts (score 65.87) and New York (65.78) also stand out, each combining higher median salaries in the mid-$40,000s with projected growth of 8.7%. Washington (score 56.29) and Colorado (56.97) show moderate opportunity scores, with somewhat lower median salaries than the top three states but the same 8.7% growth rate. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA leads with an opportunity score of 77.42 and a median salary of $49,210. The New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro follows closely with a 77.27 score. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH all offer opportunity scores above 60, combined with median salaries in the mid-to-upper $40,000s.
For veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, the typical education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent. This makes the field accessible to individuals who have completed secondary education but may not have college or specialized postsecondary training. While the formal education bar is relatively low, success in this occupation relies on a broad skill set. Important abilities include customer service and interpersonal skills for working with others, as well as being detail oriented to handle tasks accurately. Science knowledge supports understanding animal care and laboratory environments, while physical strength and stamina help with more demanding aspects of the work. Mathematics, mechanical aptitude, fine motor skills, adaptability, and project management are also listed as relevant skills, highlighting the varied demands of the role. Together, these skills complement the basic educational requirement and can help candidates stand out when applying for positions or seeking advancement within the field.
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