Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA), the median pay for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is $21.94 an hour ($45,640 a year). About 2,400 people work in this job there.

$21.94Median hourly pay
$43,700–$48,080Middle half of workers, yearly
2,400People in this job in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

That is 20% higher than the U.S. median ($38,150). It is 3% higher than the Washington median ($44,150).

Pay range for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$20.48$42,600
25% of workers$21.01$43,700
Half of workers (median)$21.94$45,640
75% of workers$23.11$48,080
90% of workers$27.91$58,060

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay in Washington metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (this page)$45,6402,400
Mount Vernon-Anacortes$45,26080
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee$44,53050
Bellingham$44,160120
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard$44,020160
Kennewick-Richland$40,100130
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater$39,760190
Spokane-Spokane Valley$39,240340

Washington unemployment rate: 4.9% (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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue (WA)

JobMedian yearly pay
Nursing Assistants$51,990
Medical Assistants$61,500
Animal Caretakers$44,060
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$85,690
Phlebotomists$49,900
Emergency Medical Technicians$55,700
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$61,260
Dental Assistants$62,040

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.