Vet Assistant: what the job is, what it pays, and how to get hired.

Median pay

$38,150

BLS May 2025

Employed in the U.S.

126,580

BLS May 2025

Preparation

Job Zone 1-2 of 5

very little to some preparation

Most common education

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)

78% of workers

Data Government data groups this job as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (O*NET-SOC 31-9096.00). Figures on this page are for that occupation.

1. Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
2. Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
3. Fill medication prescriptions.
4. Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
5. Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
6. Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
7. Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
8. Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.

Telework available

less than 0.5%

of workers had the ability to telework

Workday sitting

13.7%

mean share of the day required to sit

Most common strength level

Medium

87.3% of workers

Can pause work

33.7%

of workers could take short, unscheduled breaks

Self-paced workload

less than 10%

of workers set their own workload

Employer-changed schedules

52.8%

of workers had schedules changed by the employer week to week

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Requirements Survey. Estimates are preliminary; ranges are shown as published.

1. Professional, scientific, and technical services87.0% of all jobs in this occupation · +10.0% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $39,880
2. Educational services; state, local, and private4.7% of all jobs in this occupation · +2.9% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $48,730
3. Animal production and aquaculture2.8% of all jobs in this occupation · +1.6% projected change here 2025–35
4. Sporting goods, hobby, musical instrument, book, and miscellaneous retailers2.0% of all jobs in this occupation · +3.0% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $41,650
5. Personal and laundry services1.1% of all jobs in this occupation · +7.5% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $38,900
6. Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations0.9% of all jobs in this occupation · +11.0% projected change here 2025–35 · mean wage $42,440

Sources: BLS 2025–35 National Employment Matrix (share of the occupation's jobs, projected change) and BLS OEWS May 2025 industry estimates (mean wage). Different industry estimates are not a pay forecast for any person.

Knowledge areas: Customer and Personal Service, English Language, Biology, Administrative, Medicine and Dentistry, Computers and Electronics.

• IDEXX Laboratories IDEXX CornerstoneMedical software
• Labeling softwareLabel making software
• McAllister Software Systems AVImarkMedical software
• Practice management software PMSMedical software
• Microsoft AccessData base user interface and query softwareHot technology
• Microsoft ExcelSpreadsheet softwareHot technology
• Microsoft Office softwareOffice suite softwareHot technology
• Microsoft OutlookElectronic mail softwareHot technology
• Microsoft PowerPointPresentation softwareHot technology
• Microsoft WordWord processing softwareHot technology
• Scheduling softwareCalendar and scheduling software

Also called: Animal Care Provider, Animal Caregiver, Avian Keeper, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, Inpatient Technician Assistant.