Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in California

Ranked #3 of 51 · CA

17.1% above U.S. average
Mean annual salary $47,250 ≈ $23/hr
Median annual salary $46,260
Employment 16,080

Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)

P10 $37,800P25 $39,760 Median $46,260P75 $49,290P90 $57,940

About 80% of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakerss in California earn between $37,800 and $57,940. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.

Compared to the U.S.

California
$47,250
U.S. average
$40,340

The mean veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in California is $47,250, about 17.1% above the U.S. average ($40,340). That works out to roughly $23/hr at 2,080 hours per year.

Metro Areas in California

Metro areaMedianMeanEmployment
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $49,400 $52,120 2,150
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $49,210 $52,310 620
Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $47,270 $47,490 350
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $47,150 $48,250 200
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $46,990 $50,260 1,740
Salinas, CA $46,990 $46,350 160
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $46,720 $46,530 1,970
Vallejo, CA $46,590 $45,390 130

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make in California?

The median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in California is $46,260 per year (mean $47,250), and about 80% earn between $37,800 and $57,940.

How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make per hour in California?

Roughly $23 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $47,250 and 2,080 work hours per year.

Is California a high-paying state for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?

California ranks #3 of 51 states for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers pay. Its mean salary of $47,250 is about 17.1% above the U.S. average of $40,340.

Which metro areas in California pay veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers the most?

The highest-paying metro areas in California for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($49,400), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($49,210), Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA ($47,270), by median annual wage.

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