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Salary

How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistant is $37,615 per year in the US.

A Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in animal care. They help veterinarians with daily tasks and ensure animals receive proper treatment. This job offers a stable income with a chance to grow. The average yearly salary for a Veterinary Assistant is around $37,615. This means most assistants earn between $27,000 and $54,000 each year.

The salary can vary based on experience and location. Assistants with more experience often earn more. Those in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may also see higher pay. Some assistants may earn bonuses or extra pay for working overtime. This job provides a good starting point for those interested in animal care and veterinary medicine. With time and experience, the salary can increase, making it a rewarding career choice.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?

Job seekers looking for Veterinary Assistant roles can find top pay in several cities. San Francisco, California, leads with an average salary of $56,530. Other high-paying cities include San Jose, Seattle, and Los Angeles. These cities offer competitive salaries for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $56,530 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $42,782.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $56,530
    In San Francisco, working as a veterinary assistant offers a dynamic environment with many animal care facilities. The city's high cost of living is balanced by competitive salaries and opportunities to work with renowned veterinary practices.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $49,709
    San Jose provides a vibrant setting for those in animal care. With numerous veterinary clinics and a growing pet population, professionals here enjoy a stable job market and the chance to work with cutting-edge veterinary technology.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $47,267
    Seattle's love for pets creates a strong demand for veterinary assistants. The city's pet-friendly culture and numerous animal hospitals offer a supportive environment for those in the field.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,939
    Los Angeles offers a bustling job market for animal care professionals. With a diverse range of veterinary clinics and a large pet population, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and development.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $44,563
    Boston's vibrant community and numerous veterinary practices make it an excellent place for animal care professionals. The city's rich history and diverse population create a unique and rewarding work environment.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $43,781
    Bend, with its outdoor lifestyle, provides a unique setting for veterinary assistants. The city's focus on pet health and wellness, along with its natural beauty, makes it an attractive place to work.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Bend, OR


  7. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $43,682
    Salinas offers a close-knit community and a steady demand for animal care services. Working here means being part of a supportive environment with opportunities to make a real difference in pets' lives.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  8. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $43,562
    Santa Rosa provides a welcoming environment for those in animal care. The city's numerous veterinary clinics and focus on pet health create a stable and rewarding job market.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  9. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $43,074
    Santa Maria offers a friendly and supportive environment for animal care professionals. The city's numerous veterinary practices and focus on community well-being make it a great place to work.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $42,782
    San Diego's warm climate and numerous pet-friendly attractions make it an ideal place for animal care professionals. The city's strong demand for veterinary services offers plenty of opportunities for career growth.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA

What are the best companies a Veterinary Assistant can work for?

Pima Medical Institute offers one of the highest salaries for veterinary assistants, with an average of $57,152. Modern Animal follows closely, providing an average salary of $55,744. Oklahoma State University also pays well, with an average salary of $50,867. These companies value their veterinary staff and offer competitive pay. ASPCA and Vetncare also provide good salaries, with averages of $50,276 and $48,888, respectively. Job seekers can find rewarding opportunities with these top-paying companies.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting Pima Medical Institute with the highest at $57,152 and Oregon State University with the lowest at $46,371.
  1. Pima Medical Institute
    Average Salary: $57,152
    Pima Medical Institute offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on hands-on training. They operate in multiple locations, including Arizona and Colorado, providing diverse opportunities for career growth.


  2. Modern Animal
    Average Salary: $55,744
    Modern Animal provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a modern approach to animal care. They have locations across New York, offering a dynamic work environment and excellent benefits.


  3. Oklahoma State University
    Average Salary: $50,867
    Oklahoma State University offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a strong emphasis on education and research. They operate in Oklahoma, providing a supportive and enriching work environment.


  4. ASPCA
    Average Salary: $50,276
    The ASPCA offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a mission to prevent animal cruelty. They operate nationwide, providing a meaningful and impactful career path.


  5. Vetncare
    Average Salary: $48,888
    Vetncare provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on quality animal care. They operate in various locations, offering a stable and rewarding work environment.


  6. hssv
    Average Salary: $48,500
    hssv offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a commitment to high standards in animal care. They operate in multiple locations, providing a supportive and professional work environment.


  7. MSPCA-Angell
    Average Salary: $48,364
    MSPCA-Angell provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on animal welfare. They operate in Massachusetts, offering a compassionate and rewarding work environment.


  8. DoveLewis
    Average Salary: $47,717
    DoveLewis offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a commitment to excellence in animal care. They operate in Oregon, providing a supportive and enriching work environment.


  9. Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals
    Average Salary: $46,500
    Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on specialized care. They operate in North Carolina, offering a dynamic and rewarding work environment.


  10. Oregon State University
    Average Salary: $46,371
    Oregon State University offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a strong emphasis on education and research. They operate in Oregon, providing a supportive and enriching work environment.

How to earn more as a Veterinary Assistant?

A Veterinary Assistant can find many ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on certain areas, one can improve their job performance and salary. Attention to detail, dedication, and a willingness to learn can make a big difference.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Gain More Skills: Learn new skills and take extra training. This can include animal handling, lab work, or even basic veterinary procedures. The more skills one has, the more valuable they become to an employer.
  2. Seek Certifications: Obtain certifications from recognized organizations. These can show potential employers that one has the knowledge and skills needed for the job. Certifications can lead to higher pay.
  3. Increase Experience: Work in different settings, such as small animal clinics, large animal farms, or emergency hospitals. Each experience brings new challenges and skills. More experience often leads to higher pay.
  4. Network with Professionals: Connect with other veterinary professionals. Attend workshops, join professional groups, and participate in online forums. Networking can open doors to better job opportunities and higher pay.
  5. Consider Specialization: Focus on a specific area of veterinary care, such as dentistry or surgery. Specializing can make one more valuable to an employer and can lead to higher pay.

Currently 1,827 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
1,827 Job Openings