Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Hourly Pay
As of May 2025, the median hourly wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the United States was $18.34, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $14.48 |
| 25th | $17.15 |
| Median | $18.34 |
| 75th | $21.98 |
| 90th | $23.63 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $18.34; the mean hourly wage is $19.39.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $14.48 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $23.63 per hour.