What Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers this way: "Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms"; "Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment"; "Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians"; "Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals"; "Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 132,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 144,200 in 2035, an increase of 12,100 jobs (+9.1%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 23,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 17.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,150, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $43,951 in New York to $44,140 in New Jersey, a gap of $189 (1.00 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $38,150 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,230, which is 50.9% of the 16,160 counted across them. New York follows with 7,930.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($44,140) and New York ($43,951) lead the ranking, while New York ($43,951) and New Jersey ($44,140) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Medical Equipment Preparers, Dental Assistants, Medical Assistants and Phlebotomists belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (31-9000) include Massage Therapists.
Frequently asked questions about Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
What is the national median wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $38,150. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $43,951 to $44,140.
Which state pays Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $44,140. New York is next at $43,951.
What is the job outlook for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 9.1% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 23,200 openings a year.
What education do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.