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

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $46,950 +25.8% vs national
Median hourly $22.57
10th percentile $42,580
90th percentile $58,600
Employed locally 550
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 Jose, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $42,580
    25th
    $45,760
    50th (median)
    $46,950
    75th
    $56,610
    90th
    $58,600

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 30% Median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary is 70% 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
    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 Jose, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides$36,920
    Medical Assistants$62,290
    Nursing Assistants$56,220
    Dental Assistants$64,600
    Massage Therapists$56,720
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$61,280

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in San Jose, CA is $22.57, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.05 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in San Jose, CA is 25.8% 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 San Jose?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $42,580 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,760.