Work Environment

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers held about 107,200 jobs in 2020. The largest employers of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers were as follows:

• Veterinary services - 86%
• Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private - 4%
• Scientific research and development services - 3%

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work primarily in clinics and animal hospitals, colleges and universities, and research laboratories.

The work of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers may be physically and emotionally demanding. Workers may handle sick or abused animals and may assist in euthanizing animals.

Injuries and Illnesses

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. When working with scared and aggressive animals, workers may be bitten, scratched, or kicked. Workers may also be injured while holding, bathing, or restraining an animal.

Work Schedules

Some veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work part time. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers may work nights, weekends, or holidays.

Job Outlook

Employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 19,800 openings for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

These workers are expected to be needed to assist veterinarians and other veterinary care staff.

Increases in consumers’ pet-related spending are expected to drive employment in the veterinary services industry, which employs most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers. In clinics and other veterinary service establishments, assistants help veterinarians and veterinary technicians and technologists with various procedures. Demand for veterinary assistants will continue as the demand for these procedures increases.

Earnings

The median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $29,780 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,920, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $38,860.

In May 2021, the median annual wages for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

• Scientific research and development services - $37,750
• Junior colleges, colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private - $37,730
• Veterinary services - $29,710

Some veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work part time. Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers may work nights, weekends, or holidays.