Salary Breakdown
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Average
$32,180
ANNUAL
$15.47
HOURLY
Entry Level
$28,040
ANNUAL
$13.48
HOURLY
Mid Level
$29,780
ANNUAL
$14.32
HOURLY
Expert Level
$37,090
ANNUAL
$17.83
HOURLY
Supporting Programs
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Projected Jobs
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
3,770
Projected job openings through 2032
Top Expected Tasks
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
01
Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
02
Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
03
Fill medication prescriptions.
04
Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
05
Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
06
Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
07
Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
08
Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
09
Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.
10
Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Biology
KNOWLEDGE
Administrative
KNOWLEDGE
Medicine and Dentistry
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Monitoring
SKILL
Reading Comprehension
SKILL
Service Orientation
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Information Ordering
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Written Expression
Related Careers & Companies
STEM
Not sure where to begin?
Career Exploration