Veterinary Assistant Salary in San Diego, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
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Salary

How much does a Veterinary Assistant make in San Diego, CA?

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistant is $41,740 per year in San Diego, CA.

A Veterinary Assistant in San Diego, CA, can expect to earn a competitive salary. On average, these professionals make around $41,740 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, education, and the specific employer. Many Veterinary Assistants start on the lower end of the salary range, around $34,000, and can advance to higher salaries with more experience.

Several factors can influence a Veterinary Assistant's salary in San Diego. Those with additional certifications or specialized skills often earn more. Working in a larger animal hospital or a specialized veterinary clinic can also lead to higher earnings. Job seekers should consider these factors when looking for opportunities in the field.

Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant near San Diego, CA?

Job seekers looking for a Veterinary Assistant role near San Diego, CA, can find some of the highest paying opportunities in Chula Vista and La Jolla. These cities offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those in the field. Chula Vista leads with an average salary of $42,228, followed closely by La Jolla at $42,143.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs near San Diego, CA, highlighting Chula Vista, CA with the highest at $42,228 and Poway, CA with the lowest at $38,844.
  1. Chula Vista, CA
    Average Salary: $42,228
    In Chula Vista, you can find rewarding work with local animal clinics. The area offers many opportunities to gain experience with a variety of pets. Companies like PetSmart and Banfield Pet Hospital provide excellent training and career growth.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Chula Vista, CA


  2. La Jolla, CA
    Average Salary: $42,143
    La Jolla offers a vibrant community with many pet-friendly residents. Working here means you will be part of a caring environment. Local clinics such as La Jolla Veterinary Hospital are known for their quality care and support for their staff.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in La Jolla, CA


  3. Lemon Grove, CA
    Average Salary: $41,030
    Lemon Grove provides a close-knit community where you can make a real difference in pets' lives. The area has several small, family-owned clinics that offer a warm and supportive work environment. You can build strong relationships with clients and their pets.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Lemon Grove, CA


  4. Del Mar, CA
    Average Salary: $40,633
    In Del Mar, you can enjoy a peaceful setting with a focus on high-quality care. Working here means you will be part of a team that values both pets and people. Local practices like Del Mar Veterinary Hospital offer excellent benefits and opportunities for professional development.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Del Mar, CA


  5. Imperial Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $40,500
    Imperial Beach offers a coastal charm with a strong community spirit. Here, you can work in a friendly and supportive environment. Local clinics such as Imperial Beach Animal Clinic provide a great place to learn and grow in your career.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Imperial Beach, CA


  6. Solana Beach, CA
    Average Salary: $40,491
    Solana Beach provides a beautiful setting with a focus on animal wellness. Working here means you will be part of a team that cares deeply about pets and their owners. Local practices like Solana Beach Veterinary Clinic offer a supportive and educational work environment.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Solana Beach, CA


  7. La Mesa, CA
    Average Salary: $40,161
    La Mesa offers a welcoming community with many opportunities for animal care professionals. Here, you can work in a variety of settings, from small clinics to larger animal hospitals. Companies like Petco and local veterinary practices provide excellent career growth opportunities.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in La Mesa, CA


  8. Rancho Santa Fe, CA
    Average Salary: $39,462
    Rancho Santa Fe provides a luxurious setting with a focus on high-end pet care. Working here means you will be part of a team that offers top-notch services. Local clinics such as Rancho Santa Fe Veterinary Clinic provide excellent training and support for their staff.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Rancho Santa Fe, CA


  9. Santee, CA
    Average Salary: $38,937
    Santee offers a growing community with many opportunities for animal care professionals. Here, you can work in a supportive and dynamic environment. Local clinics such as Santee Veterinary Clinic provide a great place to learn and grow in your career.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Santee, CA


  10. Poway, CA
    Average Salary: $38,844
    Poway provides a vibrant community with many opportunities for animal care. Working here means you will be part of a team that cares deeply about pets and their owners. Local practices like Poway Veterinary Clinic offer excellent benefits and opportunities for professional development.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Poway, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Veterinary Assistant in San Diego, CA?

Veterinary Assistants in San Diego can find rewarding positions with top-paying companies. VCA Animal Hospitals offers the highest average salary at around $44,119. Colony Veterinary Hospital and Petco also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options. These companies value their staff and offer benefits that support a good work-life balance.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA, highlighting VCA Animal Hospitals with the highest at $44,119 and Destination Pet, LLC with the lowest at $39,464.
  1. VCA Animal Hospitals
    Average Salary: $44,119
    VCA Animal Hospitals offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with competitive salaries. They operate multiple locations in San Diego, providing comprehensive care for pets. Their facilities are well-equipped, and they offer opportunities for professional growth.


  2. Colony Veterinary Hospital
    Average Salary: $43,000
    Colony Veterinary Hospital provides Veterinary Assistant positions with a good salary. They have several locations in San Diego, focusing on high-quality care for pets. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive work environment.


  3. Petco
    Average Salary: $42,690
    Petco offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a solid salary. They have numerous stores across San Diego, providing a variety of pet care services. Working at Petco means being part of a large, well-known company with many opportunities for advancement.


  4. Amerivet
    Average Salary: $41,860
    Amerivet provides Veterinary Assistant positions with a competitive salary. They operate multiple clinics in San Diego, offering a range of veterinary services. The company emphasizes a family-like atmosphere and professional development.


  5. Ethos Veterinary Health
    Average Salary: $41,167
    Ethos Veterinary Health offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a good salary. They have several locations in San Diego, known for their high standards of care. The company provides a supportive environment and opportunities for career growth.


  6. PetVet Care Centers
    Average Salary: $40,467
    PetVet Care Centers provides Veterinary Assistant positions with a solid salary. They operate multiple clinics in San Diego, focusing on quality pet care. The company offers a collaborative work environment and chances for professional development.


  7. American Animal Hospital
    Average Salary: $40,133
    American Animal Hospital offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a good salary. They have several locations in San Diego, offering a range of veterinary services. The company values teamwork and provides a supportive work environment.


  8. Bodhi Animal Hospital
    Average Salary: $39,667
    Bodhi Animal Hospital provides Veterinary Assistant positions with a competitive salary. They have multiple locations in San Diego, focusing on holistic pet care. The company offers a friendly work environment and opportunities for professional growth.


  9. San Diego Humane Society
    Average Salary: $39,652
    San Diego Humane Society offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a good salary. They operate several locations in San Diego, dedicated to animal welfare. The company provides a supportive environment and chances for career advancement.


  10. Destination Pet, LLC
    Average Salary: $39,464
    Destination Pet, LLC provides Veterinary Assistant positions with a solid salary. They have several locations in San Diego, offering a range of pet care services. The company emphasizes a team-oriented approach and professional development.

Currently 1,882 Veterinary Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Veterinary Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Veterinary Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Veterinary Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Veterinary Assistant
1,882 Job Openings