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Veterinary Assistant Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Veterinary Assistant in the United States is $35,245 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,131
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $28,398 to $42,513
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $22,165
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Veterinary Assistant Salaries

A Veterinary 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.

How Do Veterinary Assistant Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Veterinary Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $39,023.
  • California: $38,875.
  • Massachusetts: $38,357.

Top Paying Cities for Veterinary 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: $44,455
  • San Francisco: $43,968
  • Oakland: $43,041

What Skills Can Increase a Veterinary 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%
See More Skills

Veterinary Assistant Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Veterinary Assistant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $35,245. While startup companies pay approximate $35,245.

Veterinary Assistant Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,245
Growth Stage 51~500 $35,245
Established 501~5000 $35,245
Enterprise 5000+ $35,245

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

Understanding how a Veterinary 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 October 01, 2026
$28,398
Average $35,245/year
$42,513
$2,367
Average $2,937/month
$3,543
$546
Average $678/week
$818
$14
Average $17/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $42,513 $3,543 $818 $20
Average $35,245 $2,937 $678 $17
25th Percentile $28,398 $2,367 $546 $14

Veterinary Assistant Salary Growth & Career Path

Veterinary Assistant

Next Role

For a Veterinary Assistant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Horse Rider/Exerciser role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $65,060 - a projected growth of 85% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Veterinary Assistant

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

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FAQ about Veterinary Assistant

1. Where can a Veterinary Assistant earn the most?

A Veterinary Assistant's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Veterinary Assistant earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Veterinary Assistant is $44,455.

2. What is the highest pay for Veterinary Assistant?

The highest pay for Veterinary Assistant is $49,131.

3. What is the lowest pay for Veterinary Assistant?

The lowest pay for Veterinary Assistant is $22,165.

4. What are the responsibilities of Veterinary Assistant?

Prepares treatment room for examination of animals; restrains animals during examination, treatment, or inoculation. Monitors animals after surgical procedures and records status. Feeds, bathes, and exercises animals. Cleans, disinfects and maintains cages, kennels, and exam areas. Assists with collecting blood and other samples. May also perform clerical tasks and data entry in veterinary office. May have to complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training in area of specialty. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience, or may need 0 years of experience with additional specialized training and/or certification.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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