Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
O*NET 31-9096.00 · SOC 31-9096
Veterinary Assistant is a strong career choice. Median pay is $38k a year with +9.1% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 23,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Feed and water animals in laboratory or clinic settings
- →Clean and sanitize animal cages and enclosures daily
- →Restrain animals during veterinary examinations or procedures
- →Monitor animals for signs of illness or distress
- →Sterilize surgical instruments and prepare exam rooms
Education & How to Get In
Veterinary Assistant roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Veterinary Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Veterinary Assistant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Veterinary Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is projected to grow 9.1% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·36% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Veterinary Assistant make?
The median Veterinary Assistant earns $38k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Veterinary Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Veterinary Assistant at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 36% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Veterinary Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 9.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 23,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Veterinary Assistant?
Most Veterinary Assistant roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Veterinary Assistant?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Veterinary Assistant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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