Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $43,430 +16.4% vs national
Median hourly $20.88
10th percentile $36,540
90th percentile $50,440
Employed locally 2,490
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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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,540
    25th
    $37,490
    50th (median)
    $43,430
    75th
    $46,060
    90th
    $50,440

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $47,040

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $37,260
    Nursing Assistants $43,330
    Medical Assistants $46,760
    Dental Assistants $48,270
    Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $57,030
    Phlebotomists $49,340

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $20.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.93 or more per hour.

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

    The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 16.4% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (10th percentile) earn around $36,540 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,490.