Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in California
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California earn a median annual wage of $46,260 —21.3% above the national median of $38,150. That ranks CA #4 of 51 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment concentration (1.08×) is close to the national average.
Highest-paying states for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
All 51 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | $49,770 | $23.93 | 380 | 0.93 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $49,080 | $23.60 | 240 | 0.41 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $46,670 | $22.44 | 2,130 | 0.72 |
| 4 | California | $46,260 | $22.24 | 16,080 | 1.08 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $46,160 | $22.19 | 3,270 | 0.94 |
| 6 | Maine | $45,510 | $21.88 | 690 | 1.32 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $45,280 | $21.77 | 1,450 | 0.60 |
| 8 | Maryland | $44,770 | $21.52 | 2,220 | 0.99 |
| 9 | New York | $44,750 | $21.52 | 5,790 | 0.73 |
| 10 | Oregon | $44,370 | $21.33 | 3,170 | 1.98 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $34,320 | $35,800 |
| Nursing Assistants | $47,630 | $42,260 |
| Medical Assistants | $49,660 | $45,690 |
| Dental Assistants | $50,110 | $48,070 |
| Phlebotomists | $56,040 | $45,230 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $83,110 | $68,380 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make in California?
The median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in California is $46,260, or $22.24 per hour. That is 21.3% above the national median of $38,150.
What is the entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $37,800 per year ($18.17/hour). The 25th percentile is $39,760.
How many people work as veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in California?
About 16,080 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.9 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?
California ranks #4 of 51 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment concentration (1.08x) is close to the national average.
Which state pays veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers the most?
Rhode Island has the highest median wage at $49,770 per year, followed by District of Columbia ($49,080) and Massachusetts ($46,670).