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How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?

The average salary for a Veterinary Assistant is $37,143 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Veterinary Assistant?

Job seekers looking for Veterinary Assistant roles can find some of the highest paying positions in San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $56,346. San Jose, CA, and Seattle, WA, also offer competitive salaries, with averages of $48,846 and $46,660, respectively. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding careers in animal care.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $56,346 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $42,293.
  1. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Boston, MA


  6. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Salinas, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Bend, OR


  9. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Veterinary Assistant jobs in Portland, OR

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 $58,515 per year. Modern Animal also provides a competitive salary, averaging $53,803 annually. Oklahoma State University pays its Veterinary Assistants around $53,000 per year, making it another attractive option.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Veterinary Assistant jobs, highlighting Pima Medical Institute with the highest at $58,515 and North Carolina State University with the lowest at $46,521.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. Specialized knowledge and certifications
  2. Networking with other professionals
  3. Working in high-demand areas
  4. Gaining experience
  5. Seeking roles with performance-based bonuses

Currently 1,967 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
1,967 Job Openings