Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in San Francisco, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA

Median annual salary $47,040 +26% vs national
Median hourly $22.61
10th percentile $40,000
90th percentile $62,930
Employed locally 2,410
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
San Francisco, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $40,000
    25th
    $44,980
    50th (median)
    $47,040
    75th
    $60,080
    90th
    $62,930

    San Francisco economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $133,780 2023 • Census ACS
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 35% Median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary is 65% 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $46,950

    Nearby metros — Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    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
    California $45,470

    Related occupations in San Francisco, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides$35,870
    Medical Assistants$59,910
    Nursing Assistants$53,990
    Dental Assistants$62,700
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$64,840
    Massage Therapists$43,110

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in San Francisco, CA is $22.61, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.47 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in San Francisco, CA is 26% 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 San Francisco?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $40,000 per year in San Francisco, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,980.