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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$37,480
Median Annual Salary
▲
+0.5% vs 2024
$39,410
Mean Salary
$37,480
Median Salary
$18.02
Hourly Rate
3,270 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois earn a median salary of $37,480 per year ($3,123/month).
This is 3.2% below the national average of $38,713.
Illinois ranks #24 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 3,270 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 0.5% 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 Illinois
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois range from $31,550 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $47,000 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $35,110 and $43,420.
Median $37,480
P10: $31,550P25: $35,110P75: $43,420P90: $47,000
10th
$31,550
25th
$35,110
Median
$37,480
75th
$43,420
90th
$47,000
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$31,550
$15.17
$2,629
25th Percentile
$35,110
$16.88
$2,925
Median (50th)
$37,480
$18.02
$3,123
75th Percentile
$43,420
$20.88
$3,618
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$47,000
$22.60
$3,916
Note: The mean (average) salary of $39,410 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#24
Illinois ranks #24 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 Illinois?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois is $37,480 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $39,410.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois range from $31,550 at the 10th percentile to $47,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $35,110 and $43,420.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in Illinois typically start around $31,550 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $35,110 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,270 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Illinois is approximately $18.02 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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