As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Veterinary Assistant in California is $38,476 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Veterinary Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Veterinary Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,410 | $3,868 | $893 | $22 |
| Average | $38,476 | $3,206 | $740 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,002 | $2,583 | $596 | $15 |
Fremont Pet Hospital - Fremont, CA
PetVet Care Centers, LLC - San Diego, CA
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education - Novato, CA
Marsveterinary - Stockton, CA
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:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $46,410 | $3,868 | $893 | $22 |
| Average | $38,476 | $3,206 | $740 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,002 | $2,583 | $596 | $15 |
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 $71,024 - a projected growth of 85% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Veterinary Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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