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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Washington
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Washington?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$44,150
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.3% vs 2024
$45,170
Mean Salary
$44,150
Median Salary
$21.23
Hourly Rate
4,380 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in Washington
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington earn a median salary of $44,150 per year ($3,679/month).
This is 14.0% above the national average of $38,713.
Washington ranks #12 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay.
Approximately 4,380 people work in this occupation across Washington.
Salaries increased by 1.3% 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 Washington
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington range from $38,470 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $55,050 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $39,930 and $47,220.
Median $44,150
P10: $38,470P25: $39,930P75: $47,220P90: $55,050
10th
$38,470
25th
$39,930
Median
$44,150
75th
$47,220
90th
$55,050
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,470
$18.50
$3,205
25th Percentile
$39,930
$19.20
$3,327
Median (50th)
$44,150
$21.23
$3,679
75th Percentile
$47,220
$22.70
$3,935
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$55,050
$26.47
$4,587
Note: The mean (average) salary of $45,170 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#12
Washington ranks #12 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 Washington?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington is $44,150 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $45,170.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington range from $38,470 at the 10th percentile to $55,050 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $39,930 and $47,220.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in Washington typically start around $38,470 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $39,930 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 4,380 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington is approximately $21.23 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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