As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Veterinary Assistant in the United States is $34,763 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:
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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.
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:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.56% |
| Animal Care | 3.47% |
| Triage | 2.33% |
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 February 01, 2026For 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 $64,170 - a projected growth of 85% over your current level.
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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 $43,847.
The highest pay for Veterinary Assistant is $48,459.
The lowest pay for Veterinary Assistant is $21,862.
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.
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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