Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chattanooga, TN-GA

Median annual salary $35,820 -4% vs national
Median hourly $17.22
10th percentile $30,520
90th percentile $42,440
Employed locally 190
National median $37,320

Compare Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary & buying power

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,520
    25th
    $34,060
    50th (median)
    $35,820
    75th
    $36,480
    90th
    $42,440

    Chattanooga economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,666 2023 • Census ACS
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 52% Median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary is 48% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area $58,120
    New Haven, CT $57,320
    Rhode Island $48,050
    Providence-Warwick, RI-MA $48,010
    Kahului-Wailuku, HI $47,460
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $47,040

    Nearby metros — Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $38,150
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $36,740
    Knoxville, TN $36,140
    Jackson, TN $35,840
    Clarksville, TN-KY $35,790
    Morristown, TN $35,210

    Related occupations in Chattanooga, TN-GA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides$29,930
    Medical Assistants$38,510
    Nursing Assistants$36,050
    Dental Assistants$45,390
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$59,550
    Physical Therapist Assistants$62,850

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make per hour in Chattanooga?

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $17.22, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $20.58 or more per hour.

    Is Chattanooga above or below average for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries?

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 4% below the national median of $37,320. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Chattanooga?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $30,520 per year in Chattanooga, TN-GA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,060.