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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Rhode Island

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Rhode Island?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$49,770
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.6% vs 2024
$44,700
Mean Salary
$49,770
Median Salary
$23.93
Hourly Rate
380 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Rhode Island

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Rhode Island — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island.10thBottom 10% earn less than $35,510$35,51025th25% earn less than $37,440$37,440MedianHalf earn more than $49,770$49,77075th75% earn less than $49,930$49,93090thTop 10% earn more than $50,130$50,130

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island earn a median salary of $49,770 per year ($4,147/month). This is 28.6% above the national average of $38,713. Rhode Island ranks #1 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay. Approximately 380 people work in this occupation across Rhode Island. Salaries increased by 3.6% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island

Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island range from $35,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $50,130 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,440 and $49,930.

Median $49,770
P10: $35,510 P25: $37,440 P75: $49,930 P90: $50,130
10th
$35,510
25th
$37,440
Median
$49,770
75th
$49,930
90th
$50,130
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $35,510 $17.07 $2,959
25th Percentile $37,440 $18.00 $3,120
Median (50th) $49,770 $23.93 $4,147
75th Percentile $49,930 $24.00 $4,160
90th Percentile (Experienced) $50,130 $24.10 $4,177

Note: The mean (average) salary of $44,700 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
Rhode Island ranks #1 of 51 states
$38,713
National avg. for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
+28.6%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in Rhode Island:

What does this salary really buy? See Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Rhode Island adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers take-home pay in Rhode Island after taxes →

Explore Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Data in Rhode Island

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary by State

Compare Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Rhode Island?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island is $49,770 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $44,700.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island range from $35,510 at the 10th percentile to $50,130 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,440 and $49,930.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in Rhode Island typically start around $35,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,440 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 380 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Rhode Island is approximately $23.93 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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