How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?
Veterinary Assistants play a key role in animal care. Their responsibilities include helping veterinarians, handling animals, and cleaning the area. Understanding the salary can help those considering this career. According to the latest data, the average yearly salary for a Veterinary Assistant is about $38,073.
A range of factors can influence earnings. The salary for Veterinary Assistants varies between $26,500 to $54,500 per year. Here is a breakdown of the income distribution:
- About 3.69% earn less than $26,500.
- Around 6.64% earn between $26,500 and $29,045.
- About 15.68% earn between $29,045 and $31,591.
- Around 16.68% earn between $31,591 and $34,136.
- About 15.98% earn between $34,136 and $36,682.
- Around 11.70% earn between $36,682 and $39,227.
- About 11.25% earn between $39,227 and $41,773.
- Around 5.26% earn between $41,773 and $44,318.
- About 3.68% earn between $44,318 and $46,864.
- Around 2.98% earn between $46,864 and $49,409.
- Finally, about 1.46% earn above $49,409.
What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $55,997
In San Francisco, you will find diverse opportunities to assist veterinarians, working in busy animal clinics. The city's progressive stance on animal care boosts job prospects. Prominent employers include VCA Alameda Hospital and the San Francisco SPCA.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $49,171
San Jose offers a vibrant community of animal care professionals. Here, you can expect to assist with a variety of pets and animals. Local companies such as PetSmart and Petco provide many job opportunities in the area.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $47,949
Seattle is known for its love of pets and outdoor activities. Working as an animal care assistant here means you'll help in a dynamic and active environment. Local employers include Blue Pearl Pet Hospital and Banfield Pet Hospital.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $47,061
In Los Angeles, the pet care industry is thriving, with many clinics and hospitals seeking animal care staff. The area offers a range of experiences, from emergency care to routine check-ups. Notable employers include Petco and Banfield Pet Hospital.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $46,095
Boston provides a rich environment for those passionate about animal care. The city's many animal care facilities offer varied experiences. Local employers include BluePearl Veterinary Partners and Angell Animal Medical Center.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $45,760
Santa Rosa is a great place for those who love animals and enjoy a slower pace of life. Here, you can work in smaller clinics and still have access to modern veterinary care practices. Local employers include The Pet Hospital of Santa Rosa and Redwood Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $45,737
Fort Collins offers a mix of urban and rural environments, providing a unique setting for animal care work. The city’s many veterinary clinics and animal shelters need dedicated staff. Employers include Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Paws Humane.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $44,687
Salinas is known for its agricultural roots and strong community spirit. Here, you can work in a variety of settings, from rural clinics to urban practices. Local employers include Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and Salinas Valley Animal Hospital.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $43,538
San Diego's warm climate and active lifestyle make it an ideal place for animal care professionals. You will find many opportunities to work in diverse environments, from beachside clinics to urban practices. Local employers include Petco and PetSmart.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $43,433
Bend offers a scenic and outdoor-friendly environment for those who love animals. The city's many parks and natural areas create a unique backdrop for animal care work. Local employers include Bend Animal Clinic and Mt. Bachelor Veterinary Service.
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What are the best companies a Veterinary Assistant can work for?

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Colorado State University
Average Salary: $60,984
Colorado State University offers rewarding Veterinary Assistant positions. This university operates in Fort Collins, Colorado. Staff gain valuable experience in a well-known research and teaching institution.
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Pima Medical Institute
Average Salary: $54,266
Pima Medical Institute provides Veterinary Assistant roles with competitive pay. It operates in various locations across the United States. Employees benefit from a supportive educational environment.
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Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle
Average Salary: $51,000
The Veterinary Specialty Center of Seattle has excellent Veterinary Assistant positions. Located in Seattle, Washington, it is known for advanced veterinary care. Assistants here get hands-on experience with specialized treatments.
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Modern Animal
Average Salary: $50,590
Modern Animal offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a good salary. This company operates in multiple locations, including New York and New Jersey. Employees enjoy a modern and dynamic work environment.
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Oklahoma State University
Average Salary: $50,571
Oklahoma State University provides Veterinary Assistant roles with a solid income. Based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, it combines research and teaching. Assistants here work in a vibrant academic setting.
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ASPCA
Average Salary: $50,196
The ASPCA offers Veterinary Assistant positions with a strong commitment to animal welfare. Operating in various locations nationwide, this organization is a leader in animal protection. Assistants contribute to meaningful work.
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MSPCA-Angell
Average Salary: $49,714
MSPCA-Angell provides Veterinary Assistant roles with a decent salary. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, it is a leading animal welfare organization. Staff work in a caring and supportive environment.
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Oregon State University
Average Salary: $47,358
Oregon State University offers Veterinary Assistant positions with a competitive income. Based in Corvallis, Oregon, it is a renowned research institution. Employees benefit from a peaceful and educational setting.
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MedVet
Average Salary: $46,907
MedVet offers Veterinary Assistant roles with a good salary. This company operates in Ohio and Illinois. Assistants here work in a modern and well-equipped facility.
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Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals
Average Salary: $46,878
Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals provides Veterinary Assistant positions with a fair salary. Located in North Carolina, this company specializes in advanced veterinary care. Assistants gain valuable experience in a referral setting.
How to earn more as a Veterinary Assistant?
Working as a Veterinary Assistant can be both rewarding and financially beneficial. Job seekers aiming to earn more in this role can take several steps. Prioritizing continuous education and skill enhancement is vital. Certification in specialized areas such as animal first aid or laboratory procedures can make a Veterinary Assistant more valuable. Another important step is gaining experience in a variety of veterinary settings. This exposure allows for the development of a broad skill set, making the candidate more attractive to potential employers.
Networking within the veterinary community also plays a key role in increasing earning potential. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can lead to better job opportunities. Additionally, seeking positions in higher-demand areas or specialized clinics can lead to higher salaries. Finally, considering roles in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living can result in better compensation packages. By focusing on these areas, Veterinary Assistants can effectively increase their earnings.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Veterinary Assistant:
- Education and Certification: Pursue additional training and certifications to increase expertise.
- Experience: Gain experience in various veterinary settings to develop a wide skill set.
- Networking: Build connections within the veterinary community to find better job opportunities.
- Location: Consider working in areas with higher demand or a higher cost of living for better pay.
- Specialization: Seek positions in specialized clinics or areas of veterinary care for higher salaries.



