How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?
Veterinary assistants play a key role in the healthcare of animals. They earn a good salary, reflecting their important work. The average yearly salary for a veterinary assistant stands at $38,124. This is based on data from a recent study.
Most veterinary assistants earn between $31,500 and $44,000 annually. Here is a closer look at the salary distribution:
- 2.97% make less than $26,500
- 6.94% make between $26,500 and $29,000
- 10.54% make between $29,000 and $31,500
- 21.41% make between $31,500 and $34,000
- 13.24% make between $34,000 and $36,500
- 14.46% make between $36,500 and $39,000
- 9.49% make between $39,000 and $41,500
- 7.58% make between $41,500 and $44,000
- 3.36% make between $44,000 and $46,500
- 3.45% make between $46,500 and $49,000
- 1.57% make over $49,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $56,551
In San Francisco, one can find a thriving animal care sector with many high-end veterinary clinics. These clinics offer advanced medical treatments and a chance to work with innovative technology. Companies like VCA Alameda Hospital provide excellent opportunities for professional growth.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $49,110
San Jose boasts a strong community of pet owners who value their animals. Working here allows assisting in a variety of cases, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. PetSmart and Banfield Pet Hospital are prominent employers in the area.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $47,988
Seattle offers a unique blend of urban life and nature. Veterinary assistants here get to work in both city centers and serene suburban areas. Local companies like Blue Pearl Pet Hospital offer a dynamic work environment with a focus on cutting-edge veterinary care.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $47,292
Los Angeles is a bustling city with diverse communities and pet lifestyles. This environment provides a wide range of experiences for those working in animal care. With major employers such as Banfield Pet Hospital, job seekers can expect competitive pay and varied work settings.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $46,755
In Boston, the demand for animal care professionals is high, thanks to the city's strong emphasis on pet health. Assistants here work in well-equipped facilities and have the chance to collaborate with leading veterinary specialists. Companies like Angell Animal Medical Center offer comprehensive training and growth opportunities.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $46,001
Santa Rosa is a quieter, yet vibrant city with a focus on community well-being. Veterinary assistants find a supportive work environment with plenty of opportunities to connect with pet owners. Local clinics like Animal Medical Center provide a friendly setting for both professionals and animals.
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Fort Collins, CO
Average Salary: $45,496
Fort Collins offers a blend of outdoor lifestyle and professional opportunities. Here, veterinary assistants get to work in state-of-the-art facilities while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Employers like Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital provide advanced learning and growth opportunities.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $44,781
Salinas is known for its agriculture and agricultural jobs, creating a unique environment for animal care. Working as an assistant here means assisting in both farm animal care and household pet treatments. Local clinics like Salinas Veterinary Hospital offer a supportive work culture.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $43,916
San Diego offers a warm climate and a high demand for pet care services. Assistants here enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of chances to work in beautiful settings. With employers like Petco and PetSmart, job seekers can find diverse and rewarding experiences.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $43,457
Bend's outdoor lifestyle provides a unique backdrop for animal care professionals. Assistants here enjoy a mix of city and nature work settings. Local employers like Bend Veterinary Clinic offer a welcoming environment with opportunities for outdoor activities.
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What are the best companies a Veterinary Assistant can work for?
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Colorado State University
Average Salary: $62,837
Colorado State University offers Veterinary Assistant roles with a focus on veterinary medicine and research. Opportunities exist in Fort Collins, Colorado, where students, faculty, and staff work together to advance veterinary science.
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Pima Medical Institute
Average Salary: $54,171
Pima Medical Institute provides Veterinary Assistant jobs that emphasize hands-on training and real-world experience. Locations include Phoenix, Arizona, and other areas where the institute has campuses, offering diverse training opportunities.
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Modern Animal
Average Salary: $51,072
Modern Animal values Veterinary Assistants who help provide exceptional pet care. The company operates in New York City and other locations, focusing on modern, high-quality veterinary services.
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Oklahoma State University
Average Salary: $50,571
Oklahoma State University offers Veterinary Assistant positions that involve working with a team dedicated to veterinary care and research. Positions are available in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and other university locations.
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ASPCA
Average Salary: $50,142
The ASPCA provides Veterinary Assistant roles focused on animal welfare and care. With headquarters in New York City and various other locations, the ASPCA offers opportunities to make a difference in animal lives.
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MSPCA-Angell
Average Salary: $49,824
MSPCA-Angell offers Veterinary Assistant jobs that focus on providing care for animals in need. Positions are available in Boston, Massachusetts, and other locations where the organization operates.
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Oregon State University
Average Salary: $47,534
Oregon State University offers Veterinary Assistant roles with an emphasis on research and practical experience. Locations include Corvallis, Oregon, where students and professionals work together to advance veterinary care.
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CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets
Average Salary: $47,000
CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets provides Veterinary Assistant jobs focused on specialized cardiac care for pets. The company operates in Los Angeles, California, and other locations offering advanced veterinary services.
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MedVet
Average Salary: $46,990
MedVet offers Veterinary Assistant roles with a focus on comprehensive veterinary care. Locations include Ohio and other areas where the company has multiple facilities, providing a range of services.
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Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals
Average Salary: $46,976
Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals provides Veterinary Assistant jobs that emphasize specialized care. With locations in North Carolina, the company offers opportunities for those passionate about advanced veterinary medicine.
How to earn more as a Veterinary Assistant?
Aspiring veterinary assistants have several paths to increase their earnings. They can explore various strategies that not only enhance their skills but also make them more valuable in the workplace. Focusing on continuing education and certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions. Specializing in certain areas such as dentistry or surgery can lead to more complex tasks and a higher salary.
Seeking opportunities in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living often leads to better compensation. Networking within the veterinary community can lead to job openings that offer competitive wages. Lastly, gaining experience and demonstrating reliability can pave the way for promotions and salary increases over time.
To increase earnings as a veterinary assistant, consider the following strategies:
- Certifications: Obtain certifications that recognize your expertise and skills in specific areas of veterinary care.
- Specialization: Focus on specialized skills like dental care or surgery, which often command higher pay.
- Location: Look for job opportunities in areas with a higher cost of living, where salaries tend to be higher.
- Networking: Build relationships with other veterinary professionals to discover job openings that offer competitive wages.
- Experience: Accumulate experience and demonstrate your reliability to increase your chances of promotions and higher pay.
