How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?
Becoming a Veterinary Assistant is a rewarding career choice. It involves working closely with veterinarians to care for animals and ensure their well-being. The average yearly salary for a Veterinary Assistant is about $38,152. This figure can help you gauge what to expect in terms of earnings.
The salary for a Veterinary Assistant can vary based on experience and location. Here’s a breakdown of the salary range:
- The lowest 10% earn around $26,262.
- The highest 10% earn close to $54,000.
This range shows that with more experience, a Veterinary Assistant can earn significantly more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $56,434
Working in a bustling city like San Francisco means dynamic opportunities for those passionate about animal care. With prominent animal clinics and pet care companies, professionals gain invaluable experience in a high-demand market. The competitive salary supports a quality lifestyle in this vibrant city.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $48,768
San Jose's tech-driven environment provides a unique backdrop for veterinary careers. The city's many pet-friendly offices and tech companies often have in-house pet programs. This setting not only fosters a love for animals but also offers a well-rounded professional experience.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $47,699
Seattle offers a refreshing combination of nature and urban life for animal care professionals. The city's numerous pet stores and veterinary practices provide diverse experiences. Ample green spaces and a high standard of living make Seattle an attractive place to work.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $47,560
In Los Angeles, the thriving pet industry offers numerous job opportunities. The city's numerous animal shelters and veterinary clinics cater to a large pet population. The average salary reflects the cost of living, providing a good quality of life.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $46,886
Boston's rich history and academic environment provide unique experiences for animal care professionals. The city's veterinary schools and animal care facilities offer varied and enriching job opportunities. Competitive salaries and a historic ambiance make it an appealing place to work.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $46,103
Santa Rosa presents a charming setting for animal care professionals. The city's smaller size and tight-knit community feel make it a great place to build lasting relationships. With several local veterinary practices, professionals enjoy a balanced work-life environment.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $44,781
Salinas offers a close-knit community and diverse job opportunities in the agricultural and veterinary sectors. The city's location in the heart of California’s Central Valley provides unique experiences and a strong sense of community. Salaries reflect the cost of living in this vibrant city.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $44,242
San Diego's beautiful weather and scenic coastline create a desirable place for animal care professionals. The city's many veterinary clinics and pet care facilities offer diverse job opportunities. The cost of living is offset by the average salary and the quality of life.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $43,622
Bend's outdoor lifestyle and natural beauty attract those who love animals. The city's numerous parks and trails offer unique settings for veterinary work. A lower cost of living and a strong community make it an attractive place to live and work.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $43,267
Portland's eco-friendly and artsy vibe provides a unique environment for animal care professionals. The city's many animal shelters and veterinary practices offer diverse job opportunities. Competitive salaries and a high quality of life make it an appealing place to work.
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What are the best companies a Veterinary Assistant can work for?

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Colorado State University
Average Salary: $59,348
Colorado State University offers rewarding Veterinary Assistant jobs. They provide excellent benefits and training opportunities. The university operates in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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Pima Medical Institute
Average Salary: $53,452
Pima Medical Institute pays well for Veterinary Assistants. This institute values teamwork and professional growth. They are located in several cities including Phoenix, Arizona, and Denver, Colorado.
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Rowan University
Average Salary: $51,785
Rowan University provides a competitive salary for Veterinary Assistants. They focus on a collaborative work environment. Their main campus is in Glassboro, New Jersey.
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Oklahoma State University
Average Salary: $51,000
Oklahoma State University offers Veterinary Assistant positions with a good salary. They are committed to student success and professional development. Their main campus is in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
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MSPCA-Angell
Average Salary: $50,250
MSPCA-Angell pays well for Veterinary Assistants. They provide a nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning. They are based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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ASPCA
Average Salary: $50,028
The ASPCA offers a competitive salary for Veterinary Assistants. They focus on animal welfare and provide a supportive work environment. They operate in New York City, New York.
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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets
Average Salary: $47,917
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets pays a solid salary to their Veterinary Assistants. They specialize in cardiac care and offer a collaborative work setting. They are located in Gilbert, Arizona.
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Oregon State University
Average Salary: $47,737
Oregon State University offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a good salary. They are committed to education and research. Their main campus is in Corvallis, Oregon.
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MedVet
Average Salary: $47,483
MedVet provides a competitive salary for Veterinary Assistants. They focus on quality care and professional development. They have multiple locations in Ohio and Illinois.
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Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals
Average Salary: $47,056
Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals offer Veterinary Assistant positions with a solid salary. They focus on specialized care and teamwork. They operate in North Carolina.
How to earn more as a Veterinary Assistant?
A Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in the care of animals and the smooth operation of veterinary clinics. This profession not only offers job satisfaction but also the potential to increase earnings through various means. Building a successful career in veterinary assistance involves dedication, skill development, and strategic career moves.
Here are key factors to consider when aiming to earn more in this rewarding field:
- Gain Certification: Earning professional certifications can enhance your credentials and open up higher-paying job opportunities. Certifications in specialized areas, such as laboratory procedures or radiology, can be particularly valuable.
- Increase Your Education: While a high school diploma is often the minimum requirement, taking additional courses in animal care, veterinary technology, or business management can improve your job prospects and earning potential.
- Gain Experience: Experience counts significantly in the veterinary field. Working at various clinics, gaining diverse experience, and mastering different tasks can make you more valuable to employers and lead to higher salaries.
- Specialize in a Niche: Becoming an expert in a specific area, like exotic animal care or anesthesia, can set you apart and command higher pay rates. Specializing allows you to take on more responsibility and provide essential services.
- Seek Advanced Roles: Pursuing roles such as a senior veterinary assistant, a clinic manager, or a veterinary technician can lead to increased earnings. These positions often come with additional responsibilities and compensation.



