California ranks 3rd of 51 states and D.C. for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers pay, trailing top-paying Rhode Island ($48,050) by $2,580 — a 6% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,230 to $58,550 — a $21,320 spread, 12% wider than the national $18,990 range.
California employs roughly 13.1% of all veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the country (14,960 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,230 | $17.90 |
| 25th percentile | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $45,470 | $21.86 |
| 75th percentile | $48,540 | $23.34 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,550 | $28.15 |
| Mean (average) | $46,500 | $22.36 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $45,470 | n/a |
| Rhode Island | $48,050 | +6% |
| Massachusetts | $45,480 | +0% |
| Maine | $44,080 | -3% |
| Minnesota | $43,670 | -4% |
| Washington | $43,590 | -4% |
| District of Columbia | $43,580 | -4% |
| Maryland | $43,520 | -4% |
| New York | $43,150 | -5% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $45,460 | 160,960 |
| Light Truck Drivers | $45,500 | 117,250 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $45,380 | 9,650 |
| Pest Control Workers | $45,370 | 12,290 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $45,610 | 3,150 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $45,640 | 7,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in California?
The mean veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in California is $46,500 per year. The median (middle) salary is $45,470 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in California?
Entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $37,230 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $38,380 per year.
What is the highest Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $58,550 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $48,540 per year.
How does the California Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary compare to the national average?
The median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in California is $45,470, which is +22% above national average of $37,320.