Missouri ranks 37th of 51 states and D.C. for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers pay, trailing top-paying Rhode Island ($48,050) by $13,010 — a 37% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,250 to $40,670 — a $11,420 spread, 40% tighter than the national $18,990 range.
Missouri employs roughly 1.8% of all veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the country (2,040 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,250 | $14.06 |
| 25th percentile | $30,690 | $14.76 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,040 | $16.85 |
| 75th percentile | $36,880 | $17.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,670 | $19.55 |
| Mean (average) | $34,890 | $16.77 |
How Missouri Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri (current) | $35,040 | n/a |
| Rhode Island | $48,050 | +37% |
| Massachusetts | $45,480 | +30% |
| California | $45,470 | +30% |
| Maine | $44,080 | +26% |
| Minnesota | $43,670 | +25% |
| Washington | $43,590 | +24% |
| District of Columbia | $43,580 | +24% |
| Maryland | $43,520 | +24% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Missouri
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $35,120 | 5,980 |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | $35,170 | 18,390 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $34,910 | 2,530 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | $35,260 | 1,440 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $35,300 | 1,810 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $35,320 | 28,390 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Missouri?
The mean veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in Missouri is $34,890 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,040 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Missouri?
Entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakerss (10th percentile) in Missouri typically earn around $29,250 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $30,690 per year.
What is the highest Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Missouri?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Missouri make approximately $40,670 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $36,880 per year.
How does the Missouri Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary compare to the national average?
The median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in Missouri is $35,040, which is -6% below national average of $37,320.