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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$46,260
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.7% vs 2024
$47,250
Mean Salary
$46,260
Median Salary
$22.24
Hourly Rate
16,080 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California earn a median salary of $46,260 per year ($3,855/month).
This is 19.5% above the national average of $38,713.
California ranks #4 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 16,080 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.7% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
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.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.25
Reading Comprehension
3.12
Writing
3.12
Monitoring
3.12
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.33
English Language
3.83
Biology
3.56
Administrative
3.51
Medicine and Dentistry
3.5
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(78.2% of workers)
Salary Range: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California range from $37,800 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $57,940 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $39,760 and $49,290.
Median $46,260
P10: $37,800P25: $39,760P75: $49,290P90: $57,940
10th
$37,800
25th
$39,760
Median
$46,260
75th
$49,290
90th
$57,940
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,800
$18.17
$3,150
25th Percentile
$39,760
$19.12
$3,313
Median (50th)
$46,260
$22.24
$3,855
75th Percentile
$49,290
$23.70
$4,107
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$57,940
$27.86
$4,828
Note: The mean (average) salary of $47,250 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#4
California ranks #4 of 51 states
$38,713
National avg. for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in California?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California is $46,260 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $47,250.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California range from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $57,940 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $39,760 and $49,290.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in California typically start around $37,800 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $39,760 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 16,080 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California is approximately $22.24 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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