The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers under SOC code 31-9096. As of May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage is $38,150 ($18.34/hr), with 126,580 workers employed nationwide. BLS projects employment to grow 8.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 22,200 openings expected each year.

Key Takeaways Median pay: $38,150 per year ($18.34/hr)

Top 10% earn: more than $49,150 per year ($23.63/hr)

Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $30,120 per year ($14.48/hr)

Projected growth: 8.7% from 2024 to 2034

Annual job openings: ~22,200 per year through 2034

Workers employed nationwide: 126,580

Highest-paying state: Rhode Island (median $49,770)

State with most workers: California (16,080 employed) Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034. Last reviewed June 8, 2026.

Quick answer: Training as a veterinary assistant usually takes 6 months to 2 years. You complete a certificate or associate degree program ($2,000 to $8,000), get hands-on experience through an externship or clinic job, and can earn the optional Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential from NAVTA. Most states do not require a license.

The median veterinary assistant salary is $38,150 per year ($18.34/hour), and employers post about 22,200 openings nationwide each year (BLS, May 2025). Veterinary assistants help veterinarians and technicians care for pets and other animals in clinics, shelters, and hospitals. It is an entry-level way into veterinary medicine that you can start with a short training program and no four-year degree.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant Most people enter the field in about six months to two years, depending on the program they choose. There is no national licensing exam. You build the career through training, hands-on experience, and an optional certification.

Earn a high school diploma or GED A high school diploma or GED is the baseline requirement for most veterinary assistant programs and for almost every clinic job. Before you enroll, the most useful preparation comes from science classes, especially biology, chemistry, and anatomy, because the work involves animal physiology, medications, and basic medical procedures. Math helps with measuring doses and recording vital signs accurately.

Just as important is real exposure to animal care: volunteering at an animal shelter, humane society, or a local clinic shows you what the day-to-day work feels like and gives you something concrete to put on an application. Many shelters welcome volunteers for cleaning, feeding, and socializing animals, which builds the comfort and handling skills you will use every day. If you are changing careers and already hold a diploma or another degree, you can move straight to a training program.

Complete a veterinary assistant program This is the core training, and you have a few formats to choose from. Certificate programs usually take 6 to 12 months and get you working quickly. Associate degree programs take about 2 years and can serve as a stepping stone toward training as a veterinary technician later.

Coursework typically covers animal handling and restraint, common diseases, medical terminology, pharmacy and dosage basics, sanitation and biosecurity, surgical prep, and clinic safety. Good programs build in lab work so you practice on models or live animals under supervision rather than only reading about procedures. Many programs are offered online or in a hybrid format, which lets you study around a job, but confirm that any online option includes a supervised hands-on component.

If you plan to pursue NAVTA certification later, look for a program that follows the NAVTA-approved curriculum, since completing one is one path toward the AVA credential. Gain hands-on experience Classroom learning gets you started, but employers want to see that you can handle real animals and a real clinic environment. Most programs include a clinical externship at an animal hospital or shelter, where you assist actual veterinarians and technicians with exams, restraint, sample collection, and post-surgery monitoring.

If your program does not include one, an entry-level role such as a kennel attendant, veterinary receptionist, or shelter assistant gets you inside a practice where you can learn the workflow and earn references.

Pay attention to the routine tasks that fill most of the job: cleaning and sterilizing equipment, preparing exam rooms, calming nervous animals, and accurately recording patient histories and vital signs. Many employers also offer short-term on-the-job training, so steady, reliable work during this stage often leads directly to a permanent position. Consider NAVTA certification Certification is optional in most states, but it can set you apart.

The most recognized credential is the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA), issued by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). You generally qualify by completing a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program and then passing the AVA exam, which tests knowledge of animal care, clinical procedures, safety, and office practices. The exam fee is typically around $100.

Holding the AVA credential signals to employers that your training meets a recognized national standard, which can help when you are competing for a first job or asking for a raise. Because requirements can change,



check the NAVTA website for the current list of approved programs and exam details before you apply. Apply for veterinary assistant jobs Veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, humane societies, zoos, research labs, and mobile or emergency veterinary services all hire assistants.

Tailor your resume to highlight hands-on experience, animal handling skills, and any externship or volunteer work, and mention the AVA credential if you earned it. Local clinics often post openings directly or hire from their pool of volunteers and externs, so the connections you made during training matter. Be ready to describe how you stay calm and careful in stressful situations, since employers screen heavily for temperament.

Once you are working, on-the-job experience opens the door to advancement. With additional schooling you can work as a veterinary technician, and over time you may move into practice management, specialized animal care, or research support roles. Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals.

See programs near you ↑ What Veterinary Assistants Do Veterinary assistants perform essential support duties that help veterinarians and technicians care for animals. They keep clinics running smoothly and make sure animals are comfortable, clean, and safe.

Typical Responsibilities

Feed, bathe, and exercise animals

Clean and sterilize equipment and cages

Assist during exams and minor procedures

Record patient histories and vital signs

Provide comfort to pets before and after surgery Veterinary assistants help animals receive compassionate care while learning the fundamentals of veterinary practice.

Key Skills and Traits for Success Compassion and patience with animals

Robust communication and teamwork

Physical stamina for lifting and cleaning

Attention to detail and safety

Ability to handle stressful situations calmly Work Settings for Veterinary Assistants Veterinary clinics and hospitals

Animal shelters and humane societies

Zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers

Research laboratories and universities

Mobile or emergency veterinary services Education and Certification Paths Pathway Typical Duration Outcome Certificate 6 to 12 months Entry-level employment Associate Degree 2 years Pathway to Veterinary Technician NAVTA-Approved Program About 1 year Eligible for AVA certification Career Growth and Advancement Projected job growth for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Veterinary Assistants Can Grow Into Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech), which requires an associate degree and credentialing

Practice Manager or Office Coordinator

Animal Care Specialist or Groomer

Wildlife Rehabilitation or Research Assistant Cost and Duration of Training Program cost: about varies by school, format and location depending on format and school

Time to complete: 6 months to 2 years

Certification exam fee: around $100 for the NAVTA AVA exam Many programs are offered online or in a hybrid format, which makes it easier to train while working or volunteering. Pros and Cons Pros Quick entry into the animal care field

Emotionally rewarding work

Hands-on experience with animals

Flexible work settings Cons Physically demanding

Lower starting pay than licensed vet techs

Occasional exposure to injury or emotional stress State Licensing and Requirements Most states do not require licensing for veterinary assistants, but the NAVTA-approved AVA certification is widely recognized.

View Veterinary Assistant

Requirements by State Quick Facts: Veterinary Assistant Salary, Education, and Outlook Median Pay $38,150 $18.34/hr Top 10%: $49,150 Job Outlook (2024-2034) 8.7% 22,200 openings/yr Employment (2025) 126,580 Wage Percentiles 25th $35,660 75th $45,710 Typical Education High school diploma or certificate On-the-Job Training Short-term on-the-job training Highest Paying States Rhode IslandDistrict of ColumbiaMassachusetts Top Industries Cross-industry Certification Optional (Approved NAVTA Programs Available) 2025 data | SOC 31-9096 | Source: BLS OEWS What veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers earn across the pay scale Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade.

They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers.

National

Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Issues the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential. Wage and Employment Charts Top-paying states for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers Use this chart on your site (free)



This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page.

Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Ready to start training? See accredited programs, request info, and compare start dates from schools that fit your goals. Get matched with programs ↑ Workplace Safety Snapshot BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 521.0 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (about 5.21 per 100 FTE).

Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does veterinary assistant training take? It typically takes 6 months to 2 years. Many people start working after a certificate program of 6 to 12 months, while an associate degree takes about 2 years and can lead toward training as a veterinary technician.

A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started. Do you need a college degree to work as a veterinary assistant? No. A college degree is not required to work as a veterinary assistant.

Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program, and some learn through short-term on-the-job training. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite. How much does veterinary assistant training cost?

Veterinary assistant programs typically cost about $2,000 to $8,000 depending on the format and school, with certificate programs generally costing less than degree programs. The optional NAVTA certification exam usually adds a fee of around $100. Is veterinary assistant certification required?

Most states do not require a license or certification for veterinary assistants.

Certification is voluntary, but the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is widely recognized and can strengthen your resume. Is it hard to train as a veterinary assistant? Entry is relatively accessible because no degree or licensing exam is required, and many people finish training in under a year.

The work itself is physically demanding and can be emotionally difficult, so stamina, patience, and a calm approach under stress matter a lot. Can you train to be a veterinary assistant online? Yes. Many schools offer veterinary assistant programs online or in a hybrid format, with the classroom portion online and hands-on practice completed at a local clinic or shelter.

Confirm that any program includes supervised clinical experience before you enroll. What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician? A veterinary assistant provides support care such as feeding, cleaning, and helping during exams, and usually needs only a high school diploma plus short training.

A veterinary technician completes a longer program, typically an associate degree, and is credentialed to perform more advanced clinical tasks. Many assistants later train to work as technicians.

How Veterinary Assistant Pay

Compares to Similar Trades Side-by-side comparison of Veterinary Assistant Programs and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections).

Career Median

Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Veterinary Assistant Programs this guide $38,150 +8.7% 22,200 Vet Technician $47,380 +9.1% 14,300 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections.

Related Careers Vet Technician

Sources U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026) Veterinary Assistant Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025 Filter states State Median annual Top 10% annual District of Columbia $49,080 $72,840 Massachusetts $46,670 $63,130 Maryland $44,770 $60,710 Connecticut $44,250 $59,950 Maine $45,510 $59,790 California $46,260 $57,940 Delaware $38,610 $57,930 New Jersey $46,160 $57,670 Washington $44,150 $55,050 New York $44,750 $53,460 Rhode Island $49,770 $50,130 Oregon $44,370 $49,470 Hawaii $44,070 $49,400 Utah $37,560 $49,100 Minnesota $45,280 $49,060 South Carolina $36,980 $48,630 Virginia $37,450 $48,580 New Mexico $37,500 $48,310 Kansas $35,680 $47,930 Nevada $36,920 $47,910 Arizona $38,250 $47,460 Colorado $38,900 $47,450 Florida $37,830 $47,270 Iowa $35,720 $47,220 Pennsylvania $37,140 $47,200 Ohio $36,340 $47,070 Alaska $36,490 $47,010 Illinois $37,480 $47,000 Texas $34,850 $46,890 North Dakota $37,160 $46,830 Oklahoma $34,850 $46,810 Michigan $37,960 $46,730 North Carolina $37,070 $46,470 Missouri $36,660 $45,940 Vermont $37,290 $45,880 New Hampshire $36,910 $45,690 Wisconsin $36,850 $45,630 Mississippi $30,360 $45,440 Kentucky $34,140 $45,430 Montana $38,340 $45,220 Georgia $35,850 $44,810 Indiana $36,420 $44,780 Idaho $37,530 $44,730 Tennessee $36,320 $43,700 Alabama $35,800 $43,360 Arkansas $34,570 $42,180 Nebraska $36,100 $42,050 Wyoming $37,880 $39,080 West Virginia $32,350 $38,040 Louisiana $30,480 $37,510 South Dakota $34,700 $36,700 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

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