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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Kentucky
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Kentucky?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$34,140
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.8% vs 2024
$33,710
Mean Salary
$34,140
Median Salary
$16.41
Hourly Rate
1,840 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Kentucky
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $34,140 per year ($2,845/month).
This is 11.8% below the national average of $38,713.
Kentucky ranks #48 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 1,840 people work in this occupation across Kentucky.
Salaries increased by 4.8% 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 Kentucky
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky range from $26,520 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $45,430 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $29,350 and $36,520.
Median $34,140
P10: $26,520P25: $29,350P75: $36,520P90: $45,430
10th
$26,520
25th
$29,350
Median
$34,140
75th
$36,520
90th
$45,430
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$26,520
$12.75
$2,210
25th Percentile
$29,350
$14.11
$2,445
Median (50th)
$34,140
$16.41
$2,845
75th Percentile
$36,520
$17.56
$3,043
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$45,430
$21.84
$3,785
Note: The mean (average) salary of $33,710 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#48
Kentucky ranks #48 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 Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky is $34,140 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $33,710.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky range from $26,520 at the 10th percentile to $45,430 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $29,350 and $36,520.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in Kentucky typically start around $26,520 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $29,350 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,840 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Kentucky is approximately $16.41 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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