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How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistant is $38,124 per year in the US.

A Veterinary Assistant plays a key role in animal care. This job includes many tasks such as feeding animals, cleaning their areas, and helping with exams. The pay for this job varies. Some Veterinary Assistants earn around $26,400, while others earn more than $54,000. The average yearly salary sits around $38,124. This range shows that more experience and skills can lead to higher earnings.

Here are the typical salaries you might see in this field:

  • $26,400: Entry-level positions
  • $38,945: Mid-level positions
  • $54,000: Senior positions
These figures can change based on location, the size of the veterinary practice, and specific responsibilities. Positions in larger cities or specialized clinics often offer higher salaries. Over time, as Veterinary Assistants gain more experience, they can expect to see their salaries rise.

View Veterinary Assistant jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?

Veterinary Assistants can find some of the best-paying jobs in San Francisco, where the average salary is $56,660. Job seekers may also look to San Jose and Seattle, where average salaries reach $49,000 and $47,770 respectively. Cities like Los Angeles and Boston also offer competitive pay, with average salaries around $47,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $56,660 and Bend, OR with the lowest at $43,533.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $56,660
    San Francisco offers numerous opportunities for animal care professionals. Working here, you can expect to collaborate with top-tier veterinary practices that emphasize compassionate care. With high demand for pet services, job prospects remain strong.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $49,039
    In San Jose, job seekers will find a supportive community for those in animal care. This city boasts several well-known veterinary clinics and hospitals, providing a chance to work alongside skilled professionals. The demand for skilled assistants remains steady.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $47,771
    Seattle's vibrant animal care industry offers various roles. Many clinics and specialty practices here value a nurturing approach to pet care. Opportunities for professional growth are plentiful, thanks to the city's dedication to animal welfare.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $47,386
    Los Angeles presents a dynamic environment for animal care jobs. With numerous veterinary practices and pet care facilities, job seekers have many options. The city's diverse pet population offers a unique and fulfilling work experience.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $46,886
    Boston's animal care scene is rich with opportunities. Working in this city provides access to leading veterinary practices and research institutions. The chance to work with a variety of pets and learn from experts is a significant advantage.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $46,167
    Santa Rosa offers a peaceful yet rewarding place to work in animal care. This city is home to several reputable veterinary clinics. Working here allows for meaningful connections with animals and a supportive community.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. Fort Collins, CO
    Average Salary: $45,740
    In Fort Collins, job seekers can find a vibrant animal care community. The city's numerous veterinary practices offer a chance to work with both pets and wildlife. The focus on outdoor activities enhances the rewarding experience of the job.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Fort Collins, CO


  8. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $44,781
    Salinas provides a welcoming environment for those in animal care. This city's veterinary clinics and animal shelters offer diverse experiences. Working here allows for valuable interactions with a variety of animals.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $44,069
    San Diego is an excellent place for animal care professionals. The city's warm climate and many veterinary clinics provide ample opportunities. The diverse pet population offers a dynamic and fulfilling work experience.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $43,533
    Bend offers a serene setting for those in animal care. This city's veterinary practices and animal shelters provide a chance to connect with pets and wildlife. The outdoor lifestyle enhances the rewarding experience of the job.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Bend, OR

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

Pima Medical Institute offers Veterinary Assistants a robust starting salary of $53,064. They provide a solid foundation for those in the veterinary field. Oklahoma State University also pays well, with an average salary of $50,550 for veterinary assistants. These are great opportunities for those looking to advance in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting Pima Medical Institute with the highest at $53,064 and Pure Paws Veterinary Care with the lowest at $46,583.
  1. Pima Medical Institute
    Average Salary: $53,064
    Pima Medical Institute offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on hands-on training and education. Locations include Arizona and Colorado. They provide a supportive environment for learning and professional growth.


  2. Oklahoma State University
    Average Salary: $50,550
    Oklahoma State University provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a competitive salary and a strong educational environment. The university operates in Oklahoma. They offer diverse opportunities for skill development.


  3. MSPCA-Angell
    Average Salary: $50,250
    MSPCA-Angell offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on animal care and community outreach. Locations include Massachusetts. The company emphasizes a compassionate approach to animal health.


  4. ASPCA
    Average Salary: $50,057
    ASPCA provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a mission to prevent animal cruelty. The organization operates nationally. They offer a chance to make a significant impact on animal welfare.


  5. Rowan University
    Average Salary: $48,113
    Rowan University offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with an emphasis on academic excellence. The university operates in New Jersey. They provide a supportive community for learning and professional growth.


  6. Oregon State University
    Average Salary: $47,566
    Oregon State University provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with opportunities for hands-on experience. The university operates in Oregon. They offer a strong educational environment with a focus on practical skills.


  7. CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets
    Average Salary: $47,538
    CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on specialized care. Locations include California and Arizona. They provide a supportive environment for learning specialized skills.


  8. MedVet
    Average Salary: $47,120
    MedVet provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on comprehensive care. Locations include multiple states. They offer a supportive environment for professional growth and development.


  9. Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals
    Average Salary: $46,942
    Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospitals offers Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on advanced care. Locations include North Carolina. They provide a supportive environment for learning specialized skills.


  10. Pure Paws Veterinary Care
    Average Salary: $46,583
    Pure Paws Veterinary Care provides Veterinary Assistant jobs with a focus on high-quality care. Locations include California and Pennsylvania. They offer a supportive environment for professional growth and development.

How to earn more as a Veterinary Assistant?

A Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in animal care and clinic operations. Increasing earning potential in this field involves both improving skills and seeking better opportunities. This article explores some effective strategies to help Veterinary Assistants earn more.

Firstly, enhancing skills through continuous education can lead to higher pay. Attending workshops, taking courses, and obtaining certifications are all great ways to boost credentials. Specialization in areas like dentistry, radiology, or surgery can also command higher wages. Secondly, gaining experience by working in different veterinary settings can provide a broader skill set. This experience makes an assistant more valuable to employers. Thirdly, seeking positions in higher-paying areas or industries, such as specialized clinics or research facilities, can increase earning potential. Networking with other professionals in the field can uncover these opportunities. Fourthly, staying updated with the latest technology and software used in veterinary care improves efficiency and value. Proficiency in electronic medical records and diagnostic tools can make an assistant more indispensable. Lastly, negotiating salary based on skills, experience, and market rates can lead to better compensation.

To summarize, Veterinary Assistants can improve their earnings by:

  1. Pursuing additional education and certifications.
  2. Gaining diverse experience in various veterinary settings.
  3. Exploring opportunities in high-paying areas or industries.
  4. Staying updated with the latest technology and tools.
  5. Effectively negotiating salary and benefits.

Currently 1,830 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
1,830 Job Openings