How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?
A Veterinary Assistant plays a key role in animal care and clinic operations. They help veterinarians with exams, treatments, and surgeries. Their work is vital for the health and well-being of animals. The average yearly salary for a Veterinary Assistant is around $37,143. This salary can vary based on experience and location.
The salary range for Veterinary Assistants can be quite broad. At the lower end, some earn around $26,000 per year. As they gain more experience, salaries can rise. The highest earners can make up to $54,000 annually. Factors like location, the size of the clinic, and the type of animals treated can also affect earnings. For example, those in urban areas or specialized clinics may see higher salaries.
What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $56,346
San Francisco offers a vibrant environment for those in animal care. Working in this city, you'll find many high-end veterinary clinics. Companies like VCA Alameda Hospital provide excellent opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $48,846
In San Jose, you'll join a community that values pet health. This area has numerous veterinary practices, including Banfield Pet Hospital. You'll have the chance to work with a diverse range of pets.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $46,660
Seattle is known for its love of pets. Working here, you'll find many animal-focused businesses. Companies like BluePearl Pet Hospital offer great career growth. The city's pet-friendly culture enhances your work experience.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $45,996
Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for animal care. This city has many veterinary clinics, including Petco. You'll work with a variety of pets and people who care deeply about their animals.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $44,318
Boston offers a unique setting for those in animal care. This city has several well-known veterinary practices. Companies like Angell Animal Medical Center provide excellent opportunities. You'll be part of a community that values animal health.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $43,888
Salinas provides a welcoming environment for animal care. This city has many local veterinary clinics. You'll work with a variety of pets and people who care deeply about their animals. The community's focus on pet health creates a supportive work environment.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $43,644
Santa Rosa offers a peaceful environment for those in animal care. This city has many local veterinary clinics. You'll work with a variety of pets and people who care deeply about their animals. The community's focus on pet health creates a supportive work environment.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $43,430
Bend provides a scenic environment for those in animal care. This city has many local veterinary clinics. You'll work with a variety of pets and people who care deeply about their animals. The community's focus on pet health creates a supportive work environment.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $43,120
Santa Maria offers a friendly environment for those in animal care. This city has many local veterinary clinics. You'll work with a variety of pets and people who care deeply about their animals. The community's focus on pet health creates a supportive work environment.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $42,293
Portland provides an urban environment for those in animal care. This city has many local veterinary clinics. You'll work with a variety of pets and people who care deeply about their animals. The community's focus on pet health creates a supportive work environment.
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What are the best companies a Veterinary Assistant can work for?

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Pima Medical Institute
Average Salary: $58,515
Pima Medical Institute offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on hands-on training and career development. They operate in multiple locations across the United States, providing students with diverse experiences.
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Modern Animal
Average Salary: $53,803
Modern Animal provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a modern approach to veterinary care. They have locations in New York City, Washington, D.C., and other major cities, offering a dynamic work environment.
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Oklahoma State University
Average Salary: $53,000
Oklahoma State University offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a strong emphasis on education and research. They operate in Stillwater, Oklahoma, providing a supportive academic setting.
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VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER
Average Salary: $51,459
VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on comprehensive animal care. They operate in various locations, ensuring a wide range of experiences for their staff.
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ASPCA
Average Salary: $49,690
The ASPCA offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a mission to prevent animal cruelty. They operate in multiple locations, including New York City and Boston, providing a meaningful work environment.
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Vetncare
Average Salary: $49,213
Vetncare provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a commitment to high-quality animal care. They operate in various locations, offering a stable and supportive work environment.
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Santa Barbara Humane
Average Salary: $48,500
Santa Barbara Humane offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on animal welfare and community service. They operate in Santa Barbara, California, providing a compassionate work environment.
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hssv
Average Salary: $48,500
hssv provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a commitment to excellence in animal care. They operate in various locations, offering a diverse and enriching work experience.
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DoveLewis
Average Salary: $47,898
DoveLewis offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on advanced veterinary care. They operate in Portland, Oregon, providing a cutting-edge work environment.
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North Carolina State University
Average Salary: $46,521
North Carolina State University offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a strong emphasis on research and education. They operate in Raleigh, North Carolina, providing a supportive academic setting.
How to earn more as a Veterinary Assistant?
To earn more as a Veterinary Assistant, consider focusing on key areas that can boost your skills and marketability. Gaining specialized knowledge and certifications can open up higher-paying opportunities. For instance, learning to administer medications or perform basic diagnostic tests can make you more valuable to employers. Networking with other professionals in the field can also lead to job openings that pay better.
Another way to increase earnings is by seeking positions in higher-demand areas. Urban areas or regions with a shortage of veterinary professionals often offer higher wages. Additionally, working in specialized veterinary practices, such as those focusing on exotic animals or surgery, can lead to higher pay. Experience matters, too. Gaining a few years of experience can make you more competitive in the job market and eligible for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider pursuing a career in a veterinary hospital or clinic that offers performance-based bonuses or commissions.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Veterinary Assistant:
- Specialized knowledge and certifications
- Networking with other professionals
- Working in high-demand areas
- Gaining experience
- Seeking roles with performance-based bonuses