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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Missouri
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Missouri?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$36,660
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.6% vs 2024
$37,810
Mean Salary
$36,660
Median Salary
$17.62
Hourly Rate
2,010 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Missouri
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri earn a median salary of $36,660 per year ($3,055/month).
This is 5.3% below the national average of $38,713.
Missouri ranks #34 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 2,010 people work in this occupation across Missouri.
Salaries increased by 4.6% 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 Missouri
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri range from $30,280 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $45,940 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,150 and $41,650.
Median $36,660
P10: $30,280P25: $34,150P75: $41,650P90: $45,940
10th
$30,280
25th
$34,150
Median
$36,660
75th
$41,650
90th
$45,940
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$30,280
$14.56
$2,523
25th Percentile
$34,150
$16.42
$2,845
Median (50th)
$36,660
$17.62
$3,055
75th Percentile
$41,650
$20.02
$3,470
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$45,940
$22.09
$3,828
Note: The mean (average) salary of $37,810 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#34
Missouri ranks #34 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 Missouri?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri is $36,660 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $37,810.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri range from $30,280 at the 10th percentile to $45,940 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,150 and $41,650.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in Missouri typically start around $30,280 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,150 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,010 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri is approximately $17.62 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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