How to Become a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker in 2026
Median salary: $37,320 · +8.7% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker do?
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.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is $37,320. The bottom 10% earn around $29,160 while the top 10% earn over $48,150.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $29,160 |
| Early career (P25) | $34,320 |
| Median | $37,320 |
| Experienced (P75) | $44,550 |
| Top earners (P90) | $48,150 |
Highest-paying metros
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Rhode Islandtop | $48,050 |
| Massachusetts | $45,480 |
| California | $45,470 |
| Maine | $44,080 |
| Minnesota | $43,670 |
| Washington | $43,590 |
| District of Columbia | $43,580 |
| Maryland | $43,520 |
| New York | $43,150 |
| New Jersey | $42,910 |
| Oregon | $42,830 |
| Connecticut | $39,540 |
| Colorado | $39,480 |
| Arizona | $38,240 |
| Alaska | $37,530 |
| Illinois | $37,310 |
| Florida | $37,200 |
| Montana | $37,060 |
| North Carolina | $36,680 |
| Michigan | $36,550 |
| Virginia | $36,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,480 |
| Tennessee | $36,440 |
| Wyoming | $36,430 |
| North Dakota | $36,370 |
| Nevada | $36,160 |
| Vermont | $36,120 |
| Delaware | $36,060 |
| Idaho | $35,820 |
| Utah | $35,730 |
| South Carolina | $35,680 |
| New Mexico | $35,600 |
| Hawaii | $35,420 |
| Indiana | $35,270 |
| New Hampshire | $35,230 |
| Nebraska | $35,210 |
| Missouri | $35,040 |
| Wisconsin | $34,990 |
| Georgia | $34,980 |
| Ohio | $34,820 |
| South Dakota | $32,810 |
| Kansas | $32,670 |
| West Virginia | $32,630 |
| Kentucky | $32,590 |
| Iowa | $31,200 |
| Arkansas | $30,550 |
| Texas | $30,430 |
| Mississippi | $29,730 |
| Oklahoma | $29,730 |
| Alabama | $29,660 |
| Louisiana | $29,280 |
How to earn more as a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker
The salary range for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers spans $18,990 — from $29,160 at entry level to $48,150 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area at $58,120 — $20,800 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job training: Short-term on-the-job training
Starting from high school
- Complete on-the-job training (short-term on-the-job training)
- Earn industry-recognized certifications (CNA, CPR/First Aid, phlebotomy certification)
- Complete OSHA 10-Hour or OSHA 30-Hour safety certification ($25–$200)
- Gain 1–2 years of supervised work experience
- Advance to journeyman level or specialized role
Most entry-level positions provide on-the-job training. Look for apprenticeship programs through unions, trade associations, or the Department of Labor's ApprenticeshipUSA program. Community colleges and vocational schools offer certificate programs that can be completed in 6–12 months. OSHA safety certifications are widely valued and often required.
Many employers provide paid training. Union apprenticeships are typically paid from day one. Trade school programs may require tuition.
Switching from another career
- Assess which of your existing skills transfer (many do — see below)
- Complete a short certification or orientation program (CNA, CPR/First Aid, phlebotomy certification)
- Apply for entry-level or apprentice positions — highlight transferable skills
- Complete any required on-the-job training (often shortened for experienced workers)
- Advance faster than new entrants using your professional experience
Career changers are in demand across this field. Your existing professional skills — problem-solving, communication, time management, and work ethic — are valued by employers even if your technical skills are new. Many organizations offer orientation programs or short certification courses designed specifically for career changers. Contact industry associations, local unions, or community colleges for programs in your area.
Certification costs are typically self-funded, but some employers reimburse. Union programs are paid positions.
Already working in another career?
See how your skills transfer to Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker — free. PathScorer maps your experience against the requirements and shows you what you already qualify for.
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The Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker.
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SOC: 31-9096.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034