West Virginia ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers pay, trailing top-paying Rhode Island ($48,050) by $15,420 — a 47% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $22,770 to $36,990 — a $14,220 spread, 25% tighter than the national $18,990 range.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers are more concentrated in West Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.26 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.26× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $22,770 | $10.95 |
| 25th percentile | $28,120 | $13.52 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $32,630 | $15.69 |
| 75th percentile | $35,450 | $17.04 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Mean (average) | $31,720 | $15.25 |
How West Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (current) | $32,630 | n/a |
| Rhode Island | $48,050 | +47% |
| Massachusetts | $45,480 | +39% |
| California | $45,470 | +39% |
| Maine | $44,080 | +35% |
| Minnesota | $43,670 | +34% |
| Washington | $43,590 | +34% |
| District of Columbia | $43,580 | +34% |
| Maryland | $43,520 | +33% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in West Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $32,380 | 430 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $33,010 | 270 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $33,110 | 790 |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | $31,800 | 1,110 |
| Sewing Machine Operators | $31,770 | 120 |
| Demonstrators and Product Promoters | $31,310 | 60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in West Virginia?
The mean veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in West Virginia is $31,720 per year. The median (middle) salary is $32,630 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in West Virginia?
Entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakerss (10th percentile) in West Virginia typically earn around $22,770 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,120 per year.
What is the highest Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in West Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in West Virginia make approximately $36,990 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $35,450 per year.
How does the West Virginia Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary compare to the national average?
The median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary in West Virginia is $32,630, which is -13% below national average of $37,320.