Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Southwest Missouri

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $30,240 -19% vs national
Median hourly $14.54
10th percentile $29,240
90th percentile $37,600
Employed locally 90
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
Southwest Missouri
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,240
    25th
    $29,490
    50th (median)
    $30,240
    75th
    $35,150
    90th
    $37,600

    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

    Related occupations in Southwest Missouri

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $28,710
    Nursing Assistants $34,300
    Medical Assistants $37,200
    Dental Assistants $39,030
    Physical Therapist Assistants $54,080
    Phlebotomists $34,600

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Southwest Missouri is $14.54, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.90 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Southwest Missouri is 19% below 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 Southwest Missouri?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $29,240 per year in Southwest Missouri. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,490.