Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the median pay for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is $16.41 an hour ($34,140 a year). About 1,840 people work in this job there.

$16.41Median hourly pay
$29,350–$36,520Middle half of workers, yearly
1,840People in this job in Kentucky

That is 11% lower than the U.S. median ($38,150). Kentucky ranks 48th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in Kentucky

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$12.75$26,520
25% of workers$14.11$29,350
Half of workers (median)$16.41$34,140
75% of workers$17.56$36,520
90% of workers$21.84$45,430

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay in Kentucky metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Lexington-Fayette$36,400400
Louisville/Jefferson County$35,950550
Bowling Green$31,05070

Kentucky unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: +9.1% over ten years, much faster than average · about 23,200 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Kentucky

JobMedian yearly pay
Nursing Assistants$38,370
Medical Assistants$39,270
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$60,460
Animal Caretakers$30,720
Emergency Medical Technicians$36,800
Phlebotomists$42,480
Paramedics$49,890
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$39,590

Other job titles for this job

Animal Care ProviderAnimal CaregiverAvian KeeperCertified Veterinary AssistantEmergency Veterinary AssistantInpatient Technician AssistantKennel Vet AssistantLaboratory Animal CaretakerLaboratory Animal TechnicianResearch Animal AttendantSmall Animal CaretakerVeterinarian Assistant

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.