Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $38,150/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$30,120$49,150

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +8.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.

About 22,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

Active ListeningCritical ThinkingWritingReading ComprehensionMonitoringService OrientationCoordinationSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessTime Management

Top knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageBiologyAdministrativeMedicine and DentistryComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsCommunications and Media

Core tasks

• Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.

• Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.

• Fill medication prescriptions.

• Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.

• Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.

• Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.

• Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.

• Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

The median pay for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is $38,150 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

Employment for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is projected to change +8.7% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.

What education is typically required for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?

About 22,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.