Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,400 | $26,420 | $12.70 | |
| Alaska | 170 | $36,450 | $17.53 | |
| Arizona | 2,090 | $32,180 | $15.47 | |
| Arkansas | 1,200 | $27,800 | $13.37 | |
| California | 12,600 | $36,350 | $17.48 | |
| Colorado | 2,040 | $32,920 | $15.83 | |
| Connecticut | 940 | $32,480 | $15.61 | |
| Delaware | 160 | $33,040 | $15.89 | |
| Florida | 6,730 | $29,990 | $14.42 | |
| Georgia | 3,180 | $29,500 | $14.18 | |
| Hawaii | 490 | $35,870 | $17.25 | |
| Idaho | 500 | $26,650 | $12.81 | |
| Illinois | 3,220 | $31,690 | $15.24 | |
| Indiana | 2,150 | $28,840 | $13.87 | |
| Iowa | 840 | $32,500 | $15.62 | |
| Kansas | 970 | $27,700 | $13.32 | |
| Kentucky | 850 | $26,270 | $12.63 | |
| Louisiana | 1,420 | $26,420 | $12.70 | |
| Maine | 820 | $40,900 | $19.66 | |
| Maryland | 2,490 | $35,490 | $17.06 | |
| Massachusetts | 1,620 | $39,140 | $18.82 | |
| Michigan | 3,280 | $30,410 | $14.62 | |
| Minnesota | 1,230 | $35,510 | $17.07 | |
| Mississippi | 480 | $25,140 | $12.09 | |
| Missouri | 1,860 | $29,710 | $14.28 | |
| Montana | 410 | $28,930 | $13.91 | |
| Nebraska | 920 | $29,980 | $14.42 | |
| Nevada | 1,180 | $30,230 | $14.53 | |
| New Hampshire | 480 | $31,870 | $15.32 | |
| New Jersey | 2,150 | $33,420 | $16.07 | |
| New Mexico | 680 | $29,130 | $14.00 | |
| New York | 3,890 | $36,850 | $17.71 | |
| North Carolina | 4,150 | $30,940 | $14.88 | |
| North Dakota | 160 | $29,200 | $14.04 | |
| Ohio | 3,170 | $29,420 | $14.14 | |
| Oklahoma | 1,510 | $27,560 | $13.25 | |
| Oregon | 2,480 | $34,580 | $16.63 | |
| Pennsylvania | 3,470 | $30,690 | $14.76 | |
| Rhode Island | 310 | $38,850 | $18.68 | |
| South Carolina | 1,410 | $30,940 | $14.87 | |
| South Dakota | 180 | $29,410 | $14.14 | |
| Tennessee | 2,970 | $28,480 | $13.69 | |
| Texas | 5,060 | $28,410 | $13.66 | |
| Utah | 740 | $27,510 | $13.23 | |
| Vermont | 190 | $31,130 | $14.97 | |
| Virginia | 4,170 | $30,500 | $14.67 | |
| Washington | 3,460 | $35,880 | $17.25 | |
| West Virginia | 630 | $26,160 | $12.58 | |
| Wisconsin | 2,240 | $28,270 | $13.59 | |
| Wyoming | 150 | $30,940 | $14.87 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of veterinarians, laboratory animal specialists, and zoological professionals, to provide patient management, care, and clinical procedures assistance as well as owner communication. Includes instruction in animal nursing care, animal health and nutrition, animal handling, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, clinical laboratory procedures, office administration skills, patient and owner management, and applicable standards and regulations.
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$31,780 per yearNational average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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High school diploma or equivalentTypical education requirement
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Short-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.
- Less than high school 4%
- High school graduate 24%
- College dropout 28%
- Associate’s degree 13%
- Bachelor’s degree 27%
- Master’s degree 3%
- Doctorate degree 1%
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