Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Portland, OR-WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Median annual salary $44,190 +18.4% vs national
Median hourly $21.25
10th percentile $38,230
90th percentile $49,170
Employed locally 1,770
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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Portland, OR-WA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,230
    25th
    $38,710
    50th (median)
    $44,190
    75th
    $47,030
    90th
    $49,170

    Portland economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $94,573 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

    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
    Northeast Maine nonmetropolitan area $58,120
    California $45,470
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $45,470
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $45,240
    Bend, OR $45,100
    Worcester, MA $44,860

    Related occupations in Portland, OR-WA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides$44,320
    Nursing Assistants$48,520
    Medical Assistants$52,040
    Dental Assistants$58,380
    Massage Therapists$81,580
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$47,460

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Portland, OR-WA is $21.25, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $26.51 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Portland, OR-WA is 18.4% 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 Portland?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $38,230 per year in Portland, OR-WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,710.