As of January 2025, the national average salary for veterinary assistants in the U.S. is approximately $33,979 per year, or $16 per hour. Whether you’re starting a veterinary assistant program or already working as a vet assistant, knowing where to work can make a big difference in your career.
💰 Highest-Paying States
- California: Average annual salary of $37,479, with hourly wages averaging $23.09.
- Massachusetts: Average annual salary of $36,969, with hourly wages around $20.14.
- New Jersey: Average annual salary of $37,241.
- Washington State: Average annual salary of $28,970, with hourly wages averaging $20.78.
These states offer some of the best salaries for veterinary assistants. If you’re an animal lover considering a move, one of these could be the best state for vet assistant opportunities.
Employment Growth and Job Market Trends
Projected Growth
The veterinary assisting job market is expected to grow by 20.5% between 2022 and 2032, indicating a strong demand for assistants in veterinary practices nationwide.
States with High Employment Numbers
- California: ~11,410 veterinary assistants
- Texas: ~5,400
- Florida: ~4,960
- New York: ~3,540
- Washington: ~3,200
Whether you’re working in a veterinary hospital, veterinary clinic, or animal hospital, the demand for assistants is growing. Some veterinarian technicians even start out as veterinary assistants before pursuing veterinary technician education.
What States Have the Most Vet Assistant Jobs?
According to Forbes, 66% of U.S. households have pets—great news for those entering the veterinary field.
Top states by location quotient (higher industry employment):
- Maine
- Oregon
- Washington
- Montana
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
- Virginia
These states may not always offer the highest pay, but they do have more veterinary care facilities and veterinary offices, leading to more job openings.
Which States Have the Highest Vet Assistant Salaries?
It’s hard to get a perfect answer, as salary rankings can vary depending on the source.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- New York
- California
- Connecticut
Zip Recruiter:
- Alaska
- Oregon
- North Dakota
- Massachusetts
- Washington
Zippia:
- Alaska
- California
- Oregon
- Utah
- North Dakota
Lowest-Paying States
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- West Virginia
- Florida
- Kansas
- Ohio
- South Carolina
Before relocating, remember to factor in cost of living, especially in states like California or Massachusetts where veterinary assistant salaries may be higher, but so are living expenses.
What Is the Average Vet Assistant Salary?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2022) reported:
- Median salary: $34,740
- Salary range: $25,270–$44,920
Other data sources include:
- Zip Recruiter:
- Highest: Alaska, $39,146
- Lowest: Florida, $24,453
- Zippia:
- Highest: Alaska, $38,195
- Lowest: South Carolina, $22,643
If you’ve completed an approved veterinary assistant program, your salary could start at the higher end. You can search veterinary assistant programs online to find one that offers certification or online veterinary assistant training.
How Do Vet Assistant Salaries Compare to Other Careers?
The BLS reported these national median salaries (2022):
- Bank tellers: $36,380
- Receptionists: $33,960
- Preschool teachers: $35,330
- Vet assistants: $34,740
While a certified veterinary assistant may not earn six figures, the work is meaningful and makes a real impact in animal health and veterinary medicine.
What’s the Takeaway?
You won’t get rich as a veterinary assistant, but you will enjoy rewarding work, especially if you love animals. With experience and continuing education, you could advance into other roles on the veterinary health care team, such as veterinary technologist, veterinary technician, or even a licensed veterinarian.
Working in a veterinary practice means joining a veterinary team culture that values compassion, skill, and teamwork. Roles like veterinary receptionist duties, veterinary dental assisting, and medical billing are all vital.
If you want to work with animals in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or laboratory animal caretaker setting, then becoming a vet assistant is a great place to start.
Ready to Start Your Veterinary Assistant Journey?
Visit Animal Behavior College to learn more about our approved veterinary assistant training. You’ll receive comprehensive education, including:
- Veterinary anatomy
- Veterinary medical terminology
- Veterinary oral health care
- And real-world experience through our externship program!
Or visit our Veterinary assistant FAQ page
Let your passion for animal behavior, veterinary care, and making a difference lead you into this rewarding field.
What’s the Takeaway?
Nobody’s going to be living in the lap of luxury on a vet assistant salary, but regardless of what state you live in, you should be able to make an adequate wage. In the end, it’s often best to follow your passion. If you want a rewarding career working with animals, becoming a veterinary assistant is a solid choice. As the old saying goes, if you love what you’re doing, you’ll never work a day in your life.
For more information on a veterinary assistant career, visit our Vet Assistant Job Information at a Vet Near Me page HERE, and enroll at Animal Behavior College today!
