Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $43,350 +16.2% vs national
Median hourly $20.84
10th percentile $36,720
90th percentile $49,240
Employed locally 170
National median $37,320

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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
in
San Luis Obispo, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,720
    25th
    $37,580
    50th (median)
    $43,350
    75th
    $45,730
    90th
    $49,240

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary vs area income 46% Median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary is 54% 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 San Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $33,330
    Medical Assistants $48,140
    Nursing Assistants $45,360
    Dental Assistants $50,450
    Massage Therapists $49,820
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $59,990

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in San Luis Obispo, CA is $20.84, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.38 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in San Luis Obispo, CA is 16.2% 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 Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $36,720 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,580.