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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$49,080
Median Annual Salary
▲
+12.6% vs 2024
$55,760
Mean Salary
$49,080
Median Salary
$23.60
Hourly Rate
240 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $49,080 per year ($4,090/month).
This is 26.8% above the national average of $38,713.
District of Columbia ranks #2 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 240 people work in this occupation across District of Columbia.
Salaries increased by 12.6% 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 District of Columbia
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia range from $46,570 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $72,840 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $46,960 and $60,700.
Median $49,080
P10: $46,570P25: $46,960P75: $60,700P90: $72,840
10th
$46,570
25th
$46,960
Median
$49,080
75th
$60,700
90th
$72,840
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$46,570
$22.39
$3,880
25th Percentile
$46,960
$22.58
$3,913
Median (50th)
$49,080
$23.60
$4,090
75th Percentile
$60,700
$29.18
$5,058
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$72,840
$35.02
$6,070
Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,760 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#2
District of Columbia ranks #2 of 51 states
$38,713
National avg. for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
+26.8%
vs. national average
Above Average
Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia is $49,080 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,760.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia range from $46,570 at the 10th percentile to $72,840 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $46,960 and $60,700.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in District of Columbia typically start around $46,570 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $46,960 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 240 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in District of Columbia is approximately $23.60 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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