Veterinary Clinic Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does a Veterinary Clinic Assistant make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Veterinary Clinic Assistant in the United States is $35,201 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a Veterinary Clinic Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,147
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $28,401 to $42,501
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $22,210

Key Factors That Influence Veterinary Clinic Assistant Salaries

A Veterinary Clinic Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Veterinary Clinic Assistants

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $44,401
  • San Francisco: $43,901
  • Oakland: $43,001

What Skills Can Increase a Veterinary Clinic Assistant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 6.56% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Animal Care (Mentioned in 3.47% Job Postings): Providing animals' physical and mental needs to protect their welfare by treating them all with care.
  • Triage (Mentioned in 2.33% Job Postings): Triage (/ˈtriːɑːʒ, triˈɑːʒ/) is the process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition. This rations patient treatment efficiently when resources are insufficient for all to be treated immediately; influencing the order and priority of emergency treatment, emergency transport, or transport destination for the patient. This article covers the various types of triage systems as it occurs in medical emergencies, including the prehospital setting, disasters, and emergency department treatment, along with their limitations and ethical considerations.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 6.56%
Animal Care 3.47%
Triage 2.33%

Veterinary Clinic Assistant Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Veterinary Clinic Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $35,201. While startup companies pay approximate $35,201.

Veterinary Clinic Assistant Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,201
Growth Stage 51~500 $35,201
Established 501~5000 $35,201
Enterprise 5000+ $35,201

Veterinary Clinic Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Veterinary Clinic Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$28,401
Average $35,201/year
$42,501
$2,367
Average $2,933/month
$3,542
$546
Average $677/week
$817
$14
Average $17/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $42,501 $3,542 $817 $20
Average $35,201 $2,933 $677 $17
25th Percentile $28,401 $2,367 $546 $14

Most common benefits for Veterinary Clinic Assistant

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Veterinary Clinic Assistant

1. How much do veterinary assistants make in the US?

Veterinary assistants in the US earn between $27,401 and $41,001 annually. The average salary is approximately $34,001 per year, which translates to about $16.35 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at around $27,401, while experienced workers can earn up to $41,001 per year.

2. Does a vet assistant make more than a vet tech?

Veterinary assistants typically earn between $27,401 and $41,001 annually, with a mid-salary of $34,001. In contrast, veterinary technicians generally earn about 35% more due to their required education and training, which includes a two-year associate's degree from an accredited veterinary technology program.

3. What is the top pay for veterinary assistant?

The top pay for a Veterinary Clinic Assistant is $41,001 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at a minimum salary of $27,401, while the mid-range salary is around $34,001. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.

4. What are veterinary assistants called?

Veterinary assistants, often referred to as Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), play a crucial role in animal care. Under direct supervision, they may administer anesthesia, suture skin and oral tissue, extract teeth, and apply splints or casts. The salary for this position typically ranges from $27,401 to $41,001, with a mid-range salary of $34,001.

5. How much do vet techs make an hour?

Veterinary Clinic Assistants typically earn between $27,401 and $41,001 annually, with a mid-salary of $34,001. This translates to an average hourly rate of approximately $13.15 to $19.71, depending on experience and location. Salaries can vary widely based on factors such as state and specific clinic practices.

6. What is the hardest part of being a vet assistant?

Being a vet assistant can be challenging due to the emotional toll of handling animals in distress and communicating with upset pet owners. Cases of animal abuse, neglect, or euthanasia add to the difficulty. Additionally, the work environment can affect mental health. Despite these challenges, the role offers a salary range from $27,401 to $41,001, reflecting its importance and demands.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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