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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in West Virginia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in West Virginia?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$32,350
Median Annual Salary
▼ -0.9% vs 2024
$32,260
Mean Salary
$32,350
Median Salary
$15.55
Hourly Rate
730 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary by percentile in West Virginia

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

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in West Virginia — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $25,830$25,83025th25% earn less than $28,250$28,250MedianHalf earn more than $32,350$32,35075th75% earn less than $35,740$35,74090thTop 10% earn more than $38,040$38,040

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia earn a median salary of $32,350 per year ($2,695/month). This is 16.4% below the national average of $38,713. West Virginia ranks #49 out of 51 states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay. Approximately 730 people work in this occupation across West Virginia. Salaries decreased by 0.9% 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 West Virginia

Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia range from $25,830 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $38,040 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,250 and $35,740.

Median $32,350
P10: $25,830 P25: $28,250 P75: $35,740 P90: $38,040
10th
$25,830
25th
$28,250
Median
$32,350
75th
$35,740
90th
$38,040
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $25,830 $12.42 $2,152
25th Percentile $28,250 $13.58 $2,354
Median (50th) $32,350 $15.55 $2,695
75th Percentile $35,740 $17.18 $2,978
90th Percentile (Experienced) $38,040 $18.29 $3,170

Note: The mean (average) salary of $32,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#49
West Virginia ranks #49 of 51 states
$38,713
National avg. for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
-16.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in West Virginia:

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

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

Explore Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Data in West Virginia

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 West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia is $32,350 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $32,260.
What is the salary range for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia?
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia range from $25,830 at the 10th percentile to $38,040 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,250 and $35,740.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia?
Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers positions in West Virginia typically start around $25,830 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,250 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 730 people are employed as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia.
What is the hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia is approximately $15.55 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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