For those who love animals and have a knack for soothing them, working as a veterinary assistant might be an appealing career. Most positions have no formal educational requirement, favoring applicants who've worked with animals previously or demonstrate an aptitude. Veterinary assisting is an entry-level position with relatively low pay among others within the industry, but for those who enjoy the work it can be rewarding in other ways.
The national average for veterinary assistants was $11.75 per hour or $24,430 annually, for full-time workers, according to 2011 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There is a significant variation in the field, with the lowest 10 percent of earners reporting an annual income of $16,970 and the top 10 percent averaging $34,970.
Geography and Industry
Where you live can play a large role in determining your income. California, Washington and the New England states all have high average pay, while South Dakota, Missouri and Utah offer much lower average ranges. Your work environment also plays a role. While the great majority of veterinary assistants work in private veterinary practices and shelters, another career path lies with universities and other research-oriented institutions. The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science offers three levels of certification for those who wish to work with animals in this more lucrative area of practice.
Laboratory Work and Income
Although caring for laboratory animals lacks some of the emotional fulfillment to be found in veterinary practice or animal shelters, the pay is decidedly better. The 2011 BLS figures show that animal caregivers working for pharmaceutical companies earn an average of $44,030 annually, much higher than the average rate in veterinary practices. Other research facilities, universities and various levels of government also offer above-average pay, with typical averages in the mid-$30,000 range.
Veterinary Technicians and Technologists
For veterinary assistants who enjoy their work and want to earn advancement, training as a veterinary technician or technologist is another career option. They actively assist the veterinarian in providing care to animals, in much the same way nurses and diagnostic technicians support human doctors. Becoming a technician requires a two-year associate degree, while technologists earn a four-year bachelor's degree. They can also choose to be certified by AALAS, just as laboratory animal caregivers are. Salaries for technicians and technologists have an average annual income of $31,570, well above the $24,430 earned by veterinary assistants.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- BLS Occupational Employment Statistics: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
- BLS Occupational Employment Statistics: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
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