Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Chico, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chico, CA

Median annual salary $43,680 +17% vs national
Median hourly $21.00
10th percentile $36,440
90th percentile $47,780
Employed locally 90
National median $37,320

Compare Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary & buying power

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
in
Chico, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,440
    25th
    $37,390
    50th (median)
    $43,680
    75th
    $46,850
    90th
    $47,780

    Chico economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $68,574 2023 • Census ACS
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 64% Median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary is 36% 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
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $47,040
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $46,950
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $46,620
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $46,280
    Salinas, CA $45,740
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $45,560

    Related occupations in Chico, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides$33,410
    Nursing Assistants$44,010
    Medical Assistants$46,000
    Dental Assistants$48,090
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$45,150
    Medical Equipment Preparers$51,300

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Chico, CA is $21.00, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $23.67 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Chico, CA is 17% above 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 Chico?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $36,440 per year in Chico, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,390.