Veterinary Assistant Salaries

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistant is $37,084 per year in the US.

A Veterinary Assistant plays a key role in animal care. They help veterinarians with various tasks. This job can be both rewarding and challenging. The salary for a Veterinary Assistant varies based on experience and location. On average, a Veterinary Assistant earns around $37,084 per year. This figure can change based on several factors.

Factors that can affect salary include:

  • Experience: More experienced assistants often earn more.
  • Location: Salaries can differ from one area to another. Urban areas may offer higher wages.
  • Specialization: Assistants who work in specialized areas, like surgery or emergency care, may earn more.

Overall, being a Veterinary Assistant offers a stable career with good earning potential. It is a great choice for those who love animals and want to make a difference in their lives.

View Veterinary Assistant jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?

Job seekers looking for Veterinary Assistant roles can find some of the highest pay in cities like San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA. These cities offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those in the field. Other cities such as Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA, also provide good compensation for Veterinary Assistants.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $56,388 and San Diego, CA with the lowest at $41,740.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $56,388
    In San Francisco, you can find rewarding work in animal care. Many clinics offer great benefits. Companies like Petco and Banfield are prominent here.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $47,604
    San Jose offers a vibrant community for animal care professionals. The city has many pet-friendly businesses. Local clinics provide excellent training opportunities.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $45,773
    Seattle is a great place to work with animals. The city's love for pets creates many job opportunities. Companies like BluePearl and VCA are well-known here.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $45,400
    Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for animal care. The city's diverse pet population offers varied experiences. Many large clinics are here, including PetSmart and Petco.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $43,629
    Salinas offers a welcoming atmosphere for animal care workers. The city's agricultural focus means many farms need veterinary support. Local clinics provide a range of experiences.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  6. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $42,887
    Boston is a historic city with many opportunities in animal care. The city's many animal lovers create a steady demand for services. Companies like Angell Animal Medical Center are prominent here.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Boston, MA


  7. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $42,723
    Santa Rosa offers a peaceful setting for animal care professionals. The city has many small, family-owned clinics. Working here can be both rewarding and relaxing.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $42,282
    Bend provides a scenic environment for those who love animals. The city's outdoor lifestyle means many pets need care. Local clinics offer a mix of urban and rural experiences.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Bend, OR


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $42,127
    Portland is a vibrant city with many opportunities in animal care. The city's progressive culture means many pet-friendly businesses. Local clinics provide excellent training and growth opportunities.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  10. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $41,740
    San Diego offers a sunny and lively environment for animal care. The city's many beaches and parks create a high demand for pet services. Companies like Petco and Banfield are well-established here.
    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 Assistant jobs, with an average of $59,325 per year. Modern Animal and ASPCA also provide competitive pay, with averages of $53,869 and $49,974, respectively. These companies value their staff and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting Pima Medical Institute with the highest at $59,325 and Santa Barbara Humane with the lowest at $45,929.
  1. Pima Medical Institute
    Average Salary: $59,325
    Pima Medical Institute offers competitive salaries for Veterinary Assistants. They provide hands-on training and support in various locations. Pima Medical Institute operates in multiple states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Florida.


  2. Modern Animal
    Average Salary: $53,869
    Modern Animal pays well for Veterinary Assistants. They focus on providing top-notch care for pets. This company operates in New York, offering a vibrant environment for animal care professionals.


  3. ASPCA
    Average Salary: $49,974
    The ASPCA offers a rewarding experience for Veterinary Assistants. They work to protect animals and provide excellent care. The ASPCA operates nationwide, with a strong presence in New York, California, and Florida.


  4. Vetncare
    Average Salary: $49,610
    Vetncare provides a good salary for Veterinary Assistants. They focus on delivering quality care to pets. This company operates in several states, including California, Texas, and Florida.


  5. VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER
    Average Salary: $49,141
    VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER offers a competitive salary for Veterinary Assistants. They emphasize providing excellent care to pets. This company operates in multiple locations, including California and New York.


  6. North Carolina State University
    Average Salary: $48,238
    North Carolina State University offers a solid salary for Veterinary Assistants. They provide a supportive environment for learning and growth. The university operates in North Carolina, offering a great place for animal care.


  7. DoveLewis
    Average Salary: $46,981
    DoveLewis offers a good salary for Veterinary Assistants. They focus on providing exceptional care to animals. This company operates in Oregon, offering a peaceful environment for animal care professionals.


  8. Partners Veterinary Group
    Average Salary: $46,615
    Partners Veterinary Group pays well for Veterinary Assistants. They emphasize teamwork and care for pets. This company operates in several states, including California and New York.


  9. Old Towne Animal Hospital
    Average Salary: $46,000
    Old Towne Animal Hospital offers a good salary for Veterinary Assistants. They focus on providing quality care to pets. This company operates in California, offering a supportive environment for animal care.


  10. Santa Barbara Humane
    Average Salary: $45,929
    Santa Barbara Humane offers a competitive salary for Veterinary Assistants. They work to protect and care for animals. This company operates in California, providing a fulfilling environment for animal care.

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 job performance and potentially earn more. Attention to detail, dedication to learning, and a proactive attitude can lead to higher pay.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Gain specialized skills: Learning additional skills, such as animal dentistry or laboratory work, can make a Veterinary Assistant more valuable.
  • Pursue certifications: Certifications in areas like animal CPR or veterinary acupuncture can lead to higher pay.
  • Seek advanced roles: Taking on more responsibilities can lead to promotions and higher salaries.
  • Work in high-demand areas: Locations with a shortage of veterinary staff may offer higher wages.
  • Network and seek recommendations: Building a strong professional network can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.

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