Vet assistant salary
BLS occupation: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers · Healthcare support · data for May 2025
Median salary $38,150 a year, US
Median hourly pay $18.34 an hour
Middle half earn $35,660–$45,710 25th to 75th percentile
Vet assistants employed 126,580 +9.1% projected by 2035
How much does a vet assistant make?
- The median vet assistant salary in the US is $38,150 a year ($18.34 an hour): half of the 126,580 vet assistants BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $40,340.
- The middle half earn between $35,660 and $45,710. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $30,120 and the top 10% more than $49,150.
- That is 25% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Rhode Island pays vet assistants the most (median $49,770), followed by the District of Columbia ($49,080) and Massachusetts ($46,670). Mississippi pays the least ($30,360).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Rhode Island, where the median is worth $48,661 in typical US prices, then Maine and Minnesota.
- In 0 of the 279 metro areas with data, the median vet assistant salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of vet assistants to grow 9.1% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 23,200 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what vet assistants are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Vet assistant salary range
Half of vet assistants earn between $35,660 and $45,710 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $30,120
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $35,660
Median Yearly pay: $38,150
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $45,710
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $49,150
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $30,120 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $35,660 |
| Median | $38,150 |
| Top 25% earn over | $45,710 |
| Top 10% earn over | $49,150 |
Vet assistant salary by state
Rhode Island pays vet assistants the most; Mississippi the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($38,150), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $49,770 median |
| District of Columbia | $49,080 median |
| Massachusetts | $46,670 median |
| California | $46,260 median |
| New Jersey | $46,160 median |
| Maine | $45,510 median |
| Minnesota | $45,280 median |
| Maryland | $44,770 median |
| New York | $44,750 median |
| Oregon | $44,370 median |
| Connecticut | $44,250 median |
| Washington | $44,150 median |
| Hawaii | $44,070 median |
| Colorado | $38,900 median |
| Delaware | $38,610 median |
| Montana | $38,340 median |
| Arizona | $38,250 median |
| Michigan | $37,960 median |
| Wyoming | $37,880 median |
| Florida | $37,830 median |
| Utah | $37,560 median |
| Idaho | $37,530 median |
| New Mexico | $37,500 median |
| Illinois | $37,480 median |
| Virginia | $37,450 median |
| Vermont | $37,290 median |
| North Dakota | $37,160 median |
| Pennsylvania | $37,140 median |
| North Carolina | $37,070 median |
| South Carolina | $36,980 median |
| Nevada | $36,920 median |
| New Hampshire | $36,910 median |
| Wisconsin | $36,850 median |
| Missouri | $36,660 median |
| Alaska | $36,490 median |
| Indiana | $36,420 median |
| Ohio | $36,340 median |
| Tennessee | $36,320 median |
| Nebraska | $36,100 median |
| Georgia | $35,850 median |
| Alabama | $35,800 median |
| Iowa | $35,720 median |
| Kansas | $35,680 median |
| Oklahoma | $34,850 median |
| Texas | $34,850 median |
| South Dakota | $34,700 median |
| Arkansas | $34,570 median |
| Kentucky | $34,140 median |
| West Virginia | $32,350 median |
| Louisiana | $30,480 median |
| Mississippi | $30,360 median |
Where vet assistant pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Vet assistants' pay goes furthest in Rhode Island once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $48,661 |
| Maine | $46,893 |
| Minnesota | $45,913 |
| District of Columbia | $44,658 |
| Massachusetts | $44,129 |
| Oregon | $42,927 |
| Connecticut | $42,708 |
| Maryland | $42,655 |
| New Jersey | $42,425 |
| California | $41,781 |
Vet assistant pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $49,770 | $23.93 | $35,510 | $50,130 | 380 | $48,661 |
| District of Columbia | $49,080 | $23.60 | $46,570 | $72,840 | 240 | $44,658 |
| Massachusetts | $46,670 | $22.44 | $35,460 | $63,130 | 2,130 | $44,129 |
| California | $46,260 | $22.24 | $37,800 | $57,940 | 16,080 | $41,781 |
| New Jersey | $46,160 | $22.19 | $36,720 | $57,670 | 3,270 | $42,425 |
| Maine | $45,510 | $21.88 | $37,380 | $59,790 | 690 | $46,893 |
| Minnesota | $45,280 | $21.77 | $36,410 | $49,060 | 1,450 | $45,913 |
| Maryland | $44,770 | $21.52 | $37,150 | $60,710 | 2,220 | $42,655 |
| New York | $44,750 | $21.51 | $36,450 | $53,460 | 5,790 | $41,466 |
| Oregon | $44,370 | $21.33 | $36,480 | $49,470 | 3,170 | $42,927 |
| Connecticut | $44,250 | $21.27 | $35,920 | $59,950 | 1,390 | $42,708 |
| Washington | $44,150 | $21.23 | $38,470 | $55,050 | 4,380 | $41,257 |
| Hawaii | $44,070 | $21.19 | $35,200 | $49,400 | 570 | $40,081 |
| Colorado | $38,900 | $18.70 | $35,710 | $47,450 | 2,910 | $37,748 |
| Delaware | $38,610 | $18.56 | $34,680 | $57,930 | – | $38,684 |
| Montana | $38,340 | $18.43 | $29,430 | $45,220 | 550 | $40,509 |
| Arizona | $38,250 | $18.39 | $35,530 | $47,460 | 3,340 | $37,993 |
| Michigan | $37,960 | $18.25 | $30,410 | $46,730 | 4,420 | $39,452 |
| Wyoming | $37,880 | $18.21 | $30,610 | $39,080 | 150 | $40,867 |
| Florida | $37,830 | $18.19 | $31,090 | $47,270 | 6,790 | $36,581 |
| Utah | $37,560 | $18.06 | $31,890 | $49,100 | 580 | $37,992 |
| Idaho | $37,530 | $18.04 | $24,230 | $44,730 | 680 | $39,301 |
| New Mexico | $37,500 | $18.03 | $29,870 | $48,310 | 520 | $40,667 |
| Illinois | $37,480 | $18.02 | $31,550 | $47,000 | 3,270 | $37,496 |
| Virginia | $37,450 | $18.00 | $30,430 | $48,580 | 4,810 | $37,041 |
| Vermont | $37,290 | $17.93 | $30,690 | $45,880 | 370 | $38,067 |
| North Dakota | $37,160 | $17.87 | $33,800 | $46,830 | 270 | $41,772 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,140 | $17.86 | $30,010 | $47,200 | 3,760 | $38,064 |
| North Carolina | $37,070 | $17.82 | $28,830 | $46,470 | 6,910 | $39,300 |
| South Carolina | $36,980 | $17.78 | $27,390 | $48,630 | 1,720 | $39,446 |
| Nevada | $36,920 | $17.75 | $35,920 | $47,910 | 1,380 | $36,928 |
| New Hampshire | $36,910 | $17.75 | $29,160 | $45,690 | 770 | $35,434 |
| Wisconsin | $36,850 | $17.72 | $30,400 | $45,630 | 2,200 | $39,163 |
| Missouri | $36,660 | $17.63 | $30,280 | $45,940 | 2,010 | $40,367 |
| Alaska | $36,490 | $17.54 | $27,690 | $47,010 | 130 | $35,649 |
| Indiana | $36,420 | $17.51 | $29,580 | $44,780 | 2,810 | $39,023 |
| Ohio | $36,340 | $17.47 | $29,330 | $47,070 | 4,640 | $39,170 |
| Tennessee | $36,320 | $17.46 | $30,230 | $43,700 | 3,530 | $39,534 |
| Nebraska | $36,100 | $17.36 | $29,930 | $42,050 | 900 | $40,065 |
| Georgia | $35,850 | $17.24 | $29,210 | $44,810 | 4,570 | $37,230 |
| Alabama | $35,800 | $17.21 | $27,970 | $43,360 | 1,240 | $40,305 |
| Iowa | $35,720 | $17.17 | $29,440 | $47,220 | 1,380 | $40,701 |
| Kansas | $35,680 | $17.15 | $28,720 | $47,930 | 1,570 | $39,615 |
| Oklahoma | $34,850 | $16.75 | $23,170 | $46,810 | 1,740 | $39,673 |
| Texas | $34,850 | $16.75 | $24,070 | $46,890 | 8,440 | $35,907 |
| South Dakota | $34,700 | $16.68 | $28,390 | $36,700 | 250 | $39,171 |
| Arkansas | $34,570 | $16.62 | $27,860 | $42,180 | 1,460 | $39,764 |
| Kentucky | $34,140 | $16.41 | $26,520 | $45,430 | 1,840 | $37,866 |
| West Virginia | $32,350 | $15.55 | $25,830 | $38,040 | 730 | $36,146 |
| Louisiana | $30,480 | $14.65 | $28,400 | $37,510 | 1,230 | $34,555 |
| Mississippi | $30,360 | $14.60 | $26,060 | $45,440 | 560 | $34,915 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Vet assistant salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes vet assistant pay: 281 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Francisco, CA $49,400
- San Jose, CA $49,210
- Kahului, HI $49,200
- Santa Rosa, CA $47,270
- Santa Cruz, CA $47,150
- Sacramento, CA $46,990
- Salinas, CA $46,990
- San Diego, CA $46,720
- Vallejo, CA $46,590
- New York, NY $46,160
Where the pay goes furthest
- Kahului, HI $44,975
- San Jose, CA $44,565
- Portland, ME $44,326
- Mount Vernon, WA $44,181
- Naples, FL $44,060
- Sacramento, CA $44,052
- Crestview, FL $43,893
- Santa Rosa, CA $43,856
- Minneapolis, MN $43,798
- Modesto, CA $43,762
All 281 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $49,400 | 2,150 | $42,729 | 84% |
| San Jose, CA | $49,210 | 620 | $44,565 | 93% |
| Kahului, HI | $49,200 | 60 | $44,975 | 78% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $47,270 | 350 | $43,856 | 68% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $47,150 | 200 | $42,904 | 88% |
| Sacramento, CA | $46,990 | 1,740 | $44,052 | 58% |
| Salinas, CA | $46,990 | 160 | $43,093 | 71% |
| San Diego, CA | $46,720 | 1,970 | $41,756 | 76% |
| Vallejo, CA | $46,590 | 130 | $42,948 | 63% |
| New York, NY | $46,160 | 5,560 | $41,008 | 92% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $46,070 | 4,830 | $40,567 | 76% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $45,910 | 1,150 | $43,798 | 45% |
| Boston, MA | $45,790 | 1,800 | $42,294 | 78% |
| Napa, CA | $45,710 | 50 | $40,612 | 76% |
| Portland, OR | $45,690 | 1,890 | $43,341 | 47% |
| Seattle, WA | $45,640 | 2,400 | $41,068 | 59% |
| Modesto, CA | $45,560 | 230 | $43,762 | 54% |
| Oxnard, CA | $45,530 | 480 | $41,191 | 78% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $45,490 | 210 | $41,811 | 86% |
| Yuba City, CA | $45,490 | 50 | $43,643 | 54% |
| Naples, FL | $45,470 | 100 | $44,060 | 69% |
| Washington, DC | $45,320 | 2,740 | $41,622 | 64% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $45,260 | 80 | $44,181 | 58% |
| Portland, ME | $45,150 | 210 | $44,326 | 61% |
| Riverside, CA | $44,810 | 1,270 | $42,098 | 68% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $44,530 | 50 | $42,877 | 47% |
| Salem, OR | $44,460 | 230 | $42,895 | 44% |
| Denver, CO | $44,260 | 1,520 | $41,841 | 52% |
| Bend, OR | $44,190 | 290 | $42,652 | 60% |
| Bellingham, WA | $44,160 | 120 | $42,735 | 53% |
| Trenton, NJ | $44,140 | 150 | $42,780 | 69% |
| Baltimore, MD | $44,110 | 1,120 | $42,216 | 53% |
| Honolulu, HI | $44,050 | 440 | $39,699 | 82% |
| Fresno, CA | $44,040 | 230 | $43,110 | 56% |
| Bremerton, WA | $44,020 | 160 | $41,683 | 56% |
| Redding, CA | $43,930 | 80 | $43,632 | 45% |
| Ithaca, NY | $43,900 | 90 | $42,491 | 54% |
| Chico, CA | $43,830 | 120 | $43,312 | 42% |
| Worcester, MA | $43,510 | 270 | $42,439 | 58% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $43,270 | 170 | $39,845 | 78% |
| Providence, RI | $43,190 | 480 | $42,438 | 60% |
| Bozeman, MT | $42,740 | 110 | $41,693 | 62% |
| Crestview, FL | $42,590 | 200 | $43,893 | 55% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $41,600 | 90 | $42,081 | 59% |
| Boulder, CO | $40,390 | 270 | $38,393 | 65% |
| Kennewick, WA | $40,100 | 130 | $40,068 | 51% |
| Merced, CA | $40,040 | 50 | $40,743 | 62% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $39,850 | 180 | $39,500 | 55% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $39,840 | 2,150 | $38,848 | 57% |
| Olympia, WA | $39,760 | 190 | $38,352 | 62% |
| Eugene, OR | $39,670 | 310 | $39,058 | 54% |
| Albany, NY | $39,520 | 400 | $39,692 | 51% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $39,500 | 50 | $39,993 | 59% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $39,380 | 240 | $35,989 | 69% |
| Chicago, IL | $39,280 | 2,190 | $37,917 | 66% |
| Spokane, WA | $39,240 | 340 | $39,105 | 46% |
| Barnstable, MA | $39,170 | 110 | $39,827 | 79% |
| Lewiston, ID | $39,160 | 30 | $42,957 | 45% |
| Anchorage, AK | $39,110 | 80 | $37,099 | 58% |
| Syracuse, NY | $39,020 | 220 | $40,755 | 50% |
| Vineland, NJ | $39,000 | 30 | $40,639 | 51% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $38,970 | 590 | $40,787 | 50% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $38,870 | 360 | $36,373 | 89% |
| Detroit, MI | $38,830 | 1,470 | $38,715 | 47% |
| Corvallis, OR | $38,820 | 160 | $37,321 | 56% |
| Midland, MI | $38,740 | 50 | $42,145 | 43% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $38,710 | 2,390 | $37,468 | 53% |
| Kingston, NY | $38,690 | 80 | $38,418 | 62% |
| Hartford, CT | $38,620 | 460 | $37,588 | 62% |
| Missoula, MT | $38,520 | 60 | $39,940 | 51% |
| Madison, WI | $38,490 | 410 | $39,563 | 55% |
| Visalia, CA | $38,410 | 70 | $38,477 | 54% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $38,350 | 250 | $38,015 | 60% |
| Miami, FL | $38,340 | 1,440 | $33,586 | 83% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $38,310 | 60 | $39,188 | 50% |
| Ames, IA | $38,300 | 90 | $43,116 | 36% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $38,220 | 270 | $37,891 | 52% |
| Traverse City, MI | $38,130 | 110 | $40,837 | 58% |
| Greenville, SC | $38,120 | 400 | $40,875 | 49% |
| Lansing, MI | $38,120 | 210 | $40,130 | 41% |
| Raleigh, NC | $38,110 | 1,210 | $38,826 | 53% |
| Medford, OR | $38,080 | 160 | $37,542 | 58% |
| Buffalo, NY | $38,050 | 420 | $39,700 | 46% |
| Springfield, IL | $38,050 | 70 | $41,026 | 38% |
| North Port, FL | $38,030 | 210 | $37,133 | 66% |
| Tampa, FL | $38,000 | 1,110 | $37,665 | 63% |
| Durham, NC | $37,980 | 480 | $38,925 | 52% |
| Reno, NV | $37,970 | 310 | $37,589 | 65% |
| Champaign, IL | $37,920 | 160 | $40,904 | 44% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $37,900 | 50 | $39,951 | 46% |
| Boise, ID | $37,890 | 310 | $38,510 | 61% |
| Albany, OR | $37,880 | 60 | $37,101 | 52% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $37,870 | 260 | $39,635 | 47% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $37,870 | 220 | $37,001 | 58% |
| Bangor, ME | $37,840 | 40 | $39,209 | 48% |
| Nashville, TN | $37,790 | 1,070 | $39,226 | 57% |
| St. Louis, MO | $37,790 | 970 | $39,742 | 45% |
| Charlotte, NC | $37,780 | 1,690 | $38,809 | 55% |
| Duluth, MN | $37,770 | 60 | $42,549 | 42% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $37,770 | 560 | $38,963 | 49% |
| Allentown, PA | $37,720 | 250 | $37,732 | 59% |
| Lawrence, KS | $37,720 | 50 | $41,798 | 50% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $37,710 | 620 | $37,906 | 53% |
| Waterbury, CT | $37,690 | 80 | $37,774 | – |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $37,670 | 80 | $38,324 | 58% |
| Rockford, IL | $37,670 | 50 | $40,877 | 41% |
| Charleston, SC | $37,660 | 350 | $37,301 | 65% |
| Appleton, WI | $37,610 | 100 | $40,695 | 38% |
| Kansas City, MO | $37,600 | 960 | $40,630 | 49% |
| Rochester, NY | $37,580 | 360 | $38,728 | 49% |
| Des Moines, IA | $37,560 | 320 | $40,959 | 41% |
| State College, PA | $37,500 | 80 | $38,755 | 62% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $37,490 | 50 | $40,343 | 41% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $37,490 | 170 | $37,488 | 60% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $37,480 | 270 | $37,803 | 65% |
| Richmond, VA | $37,470 | 820 | $38,290 | 55% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $37,390 | 60 | $37,195 | 59% |
| Flint, MI | $37,370 | 140 | $40,168 | 33% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $37,330 | 980 | $39,009 | 49% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $37,320 | 60 | $40,217 | 37% |
| Lafayette, IN | $37,320 | 150 | $39,944 | 47% |
| Columbus, OH | $37,280 | 1,100 | $39,049 | 49% |
| Sebastian, FL | $37,260 | 70 | $37,901 | 69% |
| Orlando, FL | $37,220 | 720 | $36,700 | 62% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $37,190 | 150 | $37,699 | 48% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $37,180 | 60 | $39,381 | 46% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $37,170 | 140 | $37,085 | 75% |
| Lebanon, PA | $37,110 | 30 | $39,812 | 47% |
| Memphis, TN | $36,990 | 680 | $40,128 | 45% |
| Birmingham, AL | $36,980 | 430 | $40,352 | 46% |
| Racine, WI | $36,960 | 60 | $38,516 | 47% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $36,940 | 660 | $39,019 | 48% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $36,920 | 270 | $36,508 | 64% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $36,890 | 1,000 | $38,681 | 50% |
| Lincoln, NE | $36,870 | 150 | $40,259 | 42% |
| Ogden, UT | $36,870 | 100 | $36,742 | 53% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $36,860 | 110 | $37,515 | 61% |
| Wilmington, NC | $36,860 | 510 | $38,228 | 57% |
| Omaha, NE | $36,840 | 430 | $40,082 | 46% |
| Jackson, MI | $36,800 | 50 | $40,096 | 39% |
| Reading, PA | $36,780 | 120 | $37,894 | 51% |
| Pueblo, CO | $36,760 | 50 | $40,060 | 43% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $36,710 | 970 | $36,631 | 57% |
| Cleveland, OH | $36,680 | 700 | $39,053 | 47% |
| Columbia, SC | $36,680 | 240 | $39,162 | 51% |
| Deltona, FL | $36,680 | 210 | $36,914 | 58% |
| Burlington, VT | $36,670 | 150 | $36,325 | 85% |
| Bismarck, ND | $36,660 | 50 | $40,275 | 43% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $36,650 | 220 | $38,644 | 42% |
| York, PA | $36,640 | 110 | $38,167 | 45% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $36,620 | 430 | $39,786 | 50% |
| Augusta, GA | $36,570 | 220 | $39,792 | 48% |
| Bloomington, IL | $36,540 | 90 | $39,065 | 42% |
| Elkhart, IN | $36,530 | 50 | $40,443 | 39% |
| Gainesville, FL | $36,510 | 130 | $37,743 | 54% |
| Davenport, IA | $36,470 | 150 | $40,941 | 33% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $36,460 | 380 | $36,204 | 58% |
| Binghamton, NY | $36,440 | 50 | $39,241 | 53% |
| Tucson, AZ | $36,430 | 420 | $37,597 | 49% |
| Akron, OH | $36,400 | 300 | $38,985 | 43% |
| Lexington, KY | $36,400 | 400 | $39,187 | 53% |
| Greeley, CO | $36,380 | 120 | $36,316 | 56% |
| Auburn, AL | $36,360 | 130 | $41,350 | 53% |
| Pocatello, ID | $36,360 | 30 | $40,897 | 36% |
| Wausau, WI | $36,350 | 50 | $39,233 | 32% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $36,320 | 910 | $37,084 | 62% |
| Hickory, NC | $36,310 | 170 | $41,035 | 53% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $36,310 | 50 | $38,587 | 51% |
| Greensboro, NC | $36,280 | 470 | $39,067 | 47% |
| Manchester, NH | $36,270 | 170 | $34,328 | 72% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $36,250 | 60 | $39,997 | 42% |
| Utica, NY | $36,250 | 70 | $39,114 | 47% |
| Kenosha, WI | $36,240 | 50 | $35,839 | – |
| South Bend, IN | $36,240 | 140 | $39,027 | 42% |
| Waterloo, IA | $36,240 | 70 | $41,628 | 34% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $36,230 | 150 | $39,079 | 55% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $36,210 | 150 | $40,702 | 41% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $36,170 | 340 | $39,546 | 50% |
| Saginaw, MI | $36,170 | 70 | $39,795 | 35% |
| Ocala, FL | $36,160 | 130 | $37,970 | 53% |
| Atlanta, GA | $36,110 | 2,880 | $36,089 | 61% |
| Fargo, ND | $36,100 | 100 | $39,727 | 37% |
| Dallas, TX | $36,040 | 2,350 | $34,960 | 55% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $36,030 | 190 | $38,363 | 49% |
| Dayton, OH | $36,020 | 320 | $38,859 | 44% |
| Gainesville, GA | $36,020 | 90 | $37,224 | 57% |
| Topeka, KS | $36,020 | 130 | $40,554 | 42% |
| San Antonio, TX | $36,010 | 950 | $38,019 | 47% |
| Green Bay, WI | $35,990 | 120 | $38,663 | 37% |
| La Crosse, WI | $35,990 | 50 | $39,218 | 45% |
| Provo, UT | $35,980 | 70 | $36,628 | 59% |
| Lakeland, FL | $35,950 | 160 | $37,008 | 61% |
| Louisville, KY | $35,950 | 550 | $38,625 | 45% |
| Panama City, FL | $35,940 | 80 | $36,939 | 58% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $35,930 | 170 | $38,813 | 42% |
| Muskegon, MI | $35,930 | 50 | $38,835 | 43% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $35,920 | 50 | $40,830 | 34% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $35,900 | 120 | $38,337 | 58% |
| Michigan City, IN | $35,880 | 70 | $39,135 | 40% |
| Huntsville, AL | $35,870 | 150 | $38,540 | 46% |
| Jackson, TN | $35,840 | 50 | $41,907 | 47% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $35,810 | 80 | $37,507 | 58% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $35,800 | 50 | $39,684 | 49% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $35,780 | 40 | $37,513 | 46% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $35,780 | 100 | $40,504 | 62% |
| Savannah, GA | $35,770 | 190 | $37,571 | 59% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $35,750 | 50 | $38,249 | 59% |
| Winchester, VA | $35,750 | 90 | $37,066 | 61% |
| Bay City, MI | $35,740 | 40 | $38,881 | 34% |
| Burlington, NC | $35,690 | 80 | $38,296 | 45% |
| Knoxville, TN | $35,660 | 530 | $38,523 | 58% |
| Toledo, OH | $35,660 | 200 | $38,992 | 43% |
| Rapid City, SD | $35,640 | 40 | $39,973 | 49% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $35,630 | 670 | $39,410 | 47% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $35,590 | 60 | $37,605 | 45% |
| Evansville, IN | $35,570 | 90 | $38,862 | 37% |
| Austin, TX | $35,530 | 780 | $36,231 | 54% |
| New Orleans, LA | $35,520 | 250 | $38,360 | 53% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $35,440 | 60 | $37,348 | 57% |
| Roanoke, VA | $35,410 | 200 | $37,824 | 47% |
| Tulsa, OK | $35,410 | 470 | $39,691 | 47% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $35,370 | 160 | $38,455 | 49% |
| Houston, TX | $35,370 | 2,140 | $35,862 | 56% |
| Norwich, CT | $35,370 | 60 | $35,213 | 71% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $35,320 | 440 | $38,663 | 53% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $35,320 | 80 | $37,659 | 51% |
| Iowa City, IA | $35,310 | 50 | $38,586 | 60% |
| Morgantown, WV | $35,310 | 100 | $37,836 | 46% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $35,260 | 50 | $38,944 | 39% |
| Peoria, IL | $35,220 | 80 | $38,605 | 39% |
| Morristown, TN | $35,210 | 50 | $40,769 | 53% |
| Little Rock, AR | $35,060 | 360 | $39,233 | 42% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $35,010 | 100 | $38,019 | 54% |
| Greenville, NC | $34,940 | 80 | $39,524 | 50% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $34,940 | 120 | $39,099 | 44% |
| Bloomington, IN | $34,920 | 50 | $36,725 | 60% |
| Grand Island, NE | $34,920 | 50 | $40,297 | 46% |
| Columbia, MO | $34,900 | 130 | $39,021 | 50% |
| Erie, PA | $34,890 | 80 | $38,362 | 39% |
| Florence, AL | $34,880 | 40 | $41,124 | 37% |
| Clarksville, TN | $34,810 | 110 | $38,275 | 46% |
| Staunton, VA | $34,720 | 80 | $38,100 | 50% |
| Brunswick, GA | $34,660 | 50 | $39,517 | 58% |
| Wichita, KS | $34,650 | 290 | $38,956 | 42% |
| Johnson City, TN | $34,520 | 90 | $39,259 | 52% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $34,450 | 50 | $39,142 | 44% |
| Macon, GA | $34,390 | 50 | $38,846 | 42% |
| Beckley, WV | $34,270 | 40 | $38,781 | 36% |
| Lima, OH | $34,270 | 30 | $38,218 | 42% |
| Youngstown, OH | $34,260 | 130 | $39,202 | 37% |
| Springfield, MO | $34,230 | 150 | $38,641 | 44% |
| Rome, GA | $34,050 | 50 | $37,766 | 45% |
| Athens, GA | $34,020 | 160 | $36,446 | 63% |
| Joplin, MO | $33,800 | 40 | $39,432 | 44% |
| Wheeling, WV | $33,690 | 50 | $38,144 | 31% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $33,650 | 100 | $36,311 | 51% |
| Manhattan, KS | $33,630 | 140 | $37,300 | 45% |
| Kingsport, TN | $33,590 | 140 | $38,856 | 48% |
| Beaumont, TX | $33,000 | 80 | $36,648 | 48% |
| Huntington, WV | $32,610 | 150 | $36,880 | 40% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $32,590 | 120 | $37,945 | 40% |
| Charleston, WV | $32,070 | 90 | $36,149 | 45% |
| Logan, UT | $31,890 | 40 | $33,244 | 54% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $31,050 | 70 | $34,432 | 47% |
| Columbus, GA | $31,000 | 110 | $34,716 | 52% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $30,930 | 230 | $34,071 | 53% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $30,620 | 60 | $35,656 | 48% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $30,540 | 70 | $35,623 | 49% |
| Killeen, TX | $30,490 | 90 | $33,457 | 51% |
| Longview, TX | $30,320 | 60 | $33,883 | 45% |
| Amarillo, TX | $30,210 | 100 | $32,901 | 52% |
| Houma, LA | $30,140 | 40 | $35,416 | 52% |
| Shreveport, LA | $29,980 | 120 | $35,368 | 51% |
| College Station, TX | $29,960 | 410 | $32,941 | 60% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $29,900 | 100 | $32,839 | 59% |
| Abilene, TX | $29,710 | 60 | $32,878 | 80% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $28,850 | 50 | $32,921 | 54% |
| Alexandria, LA | $28,700 | 30 | $33,494 | 43% |
| Gulfport, MS | $28,650 | 60 | $31,831 | 60% |
| Jackson, MS | $28,570 | 100 | $32,084 | 62% |
| El Paso, TX | $28,140 | 150 | $31,297 | 65% |
What the median vet assistant salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $38,150 |
| Month | $3,179 |
| Every two weeks | $1,467 |
| Week | $734 |
| Hour | $18.34 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a vet assistant: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +9.1% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 23,200 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Physical therapist assistant | $68,380 | Associate's degree |
| CNA | $42,260 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Occupational therapy assistant | $72,300 | Associate's degree |
| Dental assistant | $48,070 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Massage therapist | $58,450 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Phlebotomist | $45,230 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Sterile processing technician | $47,700 | High school diploma |
| Home health aide | $35,800 | High school diploma |
Questions about vet assistant pay
How much does a vet assistant make an hour?
The median is $18.34 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $14.48 and the top 10% over $23.63.
How much does a vet assistant make a month?
About $3,179 a month before taxes at the median salary of $38,150, or $1,467 every two weeks.
What state pays vet assistants the most?
Rhode Island, with a median of $49,770. The District of Columbia ($49,080), Massachusetts ($46,670), California ($46,260) and New Jersey ($46,160) follow.
Where do vet assistants make the most after cost of living?
Rhode Island: its median of $49,770 is worth $48,661 at typical US prices. Maine, Minnesota and the District of Columbia come next.
How much do entry-level vet assistants make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of vet assistants earn under $30,120 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $35,660, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a vet assistant?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: short-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 31-9096 (Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.