Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $44,320 +18.8% vs national
Median hourly $21.31
10th percentile $37,790
90th percentile $58,090
Employed locally 4,610
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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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, CA, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers earn a median annual salary of $44,320, which is higher than the national median of $37,320. This local figure indicates that these workers typically make around $21.31 per hour. When compared to the area's median household income of $93,525, the earnings for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are significantly lower, representing approximately 47% of the average household income in this region. Despite their critical role in supporting veterinary care, the salary they receive suggests a disparity between individual worker income and broader household financial benchmarks.

    Entry-level workers in this field tend to earn near the 10th percentile mark at $37,790 annually, while more experienced professionals can reach earnings up to the 90th percentile, which stands at $58,090 per year. The difference in pay is primarily driven by factors such as experience, education level, and specific job responsibilities. Entry-level positions typically offer lower wages due to limited work experience and possibly less specialization, whereas experienced workers often command higher salaries because of their accumulated expertise, specialized skills, or advanced certifications that enhance their value within the field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,790
    25th
    $38,780
    50th (median)
    $44,320
    75th
    $48,260
    90th
    $58,090

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 47% Median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary is 53% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Los Angeles, CA is $21.31, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.77 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Los Angeles, CA is 18.8% 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 Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $37,790 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,780.