Veterinary assistants provide animal care and assistance with exams, procedures and research under the guidance of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and scientists. The veterinary assistant salary varies worldwide from AU$45,854 in Australia ($34,859.13 USD), followed by $27,805 in the US and £23,798 ($26,096.89 USD) in UK. Salaries are similar in Canada and New Zealand at C$29,212 ($21,777.33 USD) and NZ$29,890 ($21,364.77 USD), respectively.
The two countries with the lowest salaries for this career are India at Rs138,000 ($2,067.22) and South Africa at R80,000 ($5,787.63 USD). Geographic region has the strongest impact on salaries rather than experience level, and worldwide variances are outlined in this guide.
How Much Does a Veterinary Assistant Make Per Year?
Factors That Influence the Veterinary Assistant Salary
Salaries vary worldwide for veterinary assistants with geographic region having the greatest impact on income. Details on veterinary assistants’ salaries in select countries are explained.
1. Geographic Area
Veterinary Assistant Salary in the US
According to Payscale, veterinary assistants in the US earn between $17,664 and $51,064 per year. Those paid on an hourly rate earn between $8.64 and $14.77 per hour, plus overtime. There also is potential for bonuses exceeding $1,300. Those with experience in anesthesia, phlebotomy and radiology may earn about 7% more while knowledge in inventory management may boost an individual’s salary by 25%. Some regions of the US may garner higher pay as Raleigh and San Diego report salary ranges that are about 4% more.
Following right now are a series of tables which feature highly important data such as the levels of employment and the salary by state and by both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.
Highest Rates of Employment for Veterinary Assistants in the US
The states offering the highest levels of employment for veterinary assistants are as follows:
The metropolitan areas offering the highest employment levels for this position are as follows:
Highest Salaries for Veterinary Assistants in the US
The states offering the highest salaries for veterinary assistants are the following:
The metropolitan areas offering the highest veterinary assistant salaries are:
And, finally, the non-metropolitan areas offering the highest veterinary assistant salaries are as follows:
Veterinary Assistant Salary in Canada
In Canada, veterinary assistants earn a median annual salary of C$29,212, according to Payscale. Entry level pay is about C$20,125, increasing up to C$39,149 with experience. The hourly wage ranges from C$10.70 to C$16.38, plus overtime. Bonuses may add nearly C$1,000 more to overall income. About 2% of Canada’s veterinary assistants have 20 years’ or more experience.
Veterinary Assistant Salary in UK
Veterinary assistants in UK earn between £11,528 and £35,306 per year, with the median annual salary hitting at about £23,798, according to Payscale. Income increases during the first five to 10 years of working in this career, but additional experience beyond 10 years does not strongly influence pay. In fact, 90% of the country’s veterinary assistants have 9 years’ experience or less.
Veterinary Assistant Salary in Australia
Payscale reports that veterinary assistants in Australia earn a median annual salary of AU$45,854, or an hourly wage of AU$17.50. For those beginning their career, income is about AU$34,000, increasing to about AU$98,000 per year with experience.
Veterinary Assistant Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the median salary for a veterinary assistant is NZ$29,890 per year, according to Payscale. Those working on an hourly rate make about NZ$14.37 per hour. In comparison, Careers.govt.nz reports that veterinary nurses early in their careers earn about NZ$16 to NZ$18 per hour, increasing up to NZ$21 to NZ$26 per hour with five years’ experience.
While a veterinary nurse is a more skilled position than a veterinary assistant, the hourly wage can use viewed as a guideline for how experience can influence income.
Veterinary Assistant Salary in India
A veterinary assistant in India can expect to earn about Rs138,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. Some regions of India have higher demand for veterinary assistants, indicating salary ranges may be slightly elevated in those areas. According to jobtonic.in, the areas with the most veterinary assistant positions are Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Veterinary Assistant Salary in South Africa
Payscale reports a wide salary range for veterinary assistants in South Africa, from R22,060 to R2,936,142 per year. The median annual salary is about R80,000. With such a wide margin between the upper salary range and the median salary, and the fact that 91% of veterinary assistants in the country have four years’ experience or less, it appears that those with more experience are well-positioned for the highest earnings. Bonuses of an additional R20,000 are also available.
2. Experience
While salaries vary worldwide, experience is influential on income potential. For example, in the US, those late in their career, with 20 years’ experience or more, earn about 189% more than entry-level professionals, and even 22% more than the median income. It is worth noting that veterinary assistants in the US see the greatest increase in income with about 10 to 20 years’ experience, and little increase after 20 years’ experience.
In Canada, the difference in salaries for entry level and senior level professionals is 95%, with a sharp increase in salary for those with more than 20 years’ experience. UK veterinary assistants experience a 206% increase in income with experience over their entry level pay.
Veterinary assistants usually possess a high school diploma, or equivalent. There is no guideline for educational requirements to work as a veterinary assistant. In fact, it is common to receive on-job training, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov).
3. Industry
Veterinary assistants work in animal hospitals, clinics and research laboratories. Job responsibilities in this career can be physically and emotionally demanding as some days are spent caring for sick and injured animals of all sizes. However, most people who work in this field report high job satisfaction from working with and caring for animals.
The industries with the highest levels of employment for veterinary assistants are as follows:
On the other hand, the industries offering the highest veterinary assistant salary are the following:
Working Hours
Work hours for veterinary assistants are typically Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Weekend and evening hours may be required, especially if employed in an animal hospital setting. While most veterinary assistants work a full-time schedule, there are opportunities for part-time work. Consistent work schedules allow those working in this field to enjoy a good work-life balance.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Most veterinary assistants do not receive a health benefits package; however, a small number of employers offer medical insurance. While bonus amounts are small, they are somewhat common with about half of the countries included in this guide indicating bonus amounts.
Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), job growth in veterinary assistant positions is expected to grow 9% from 2014 to 2024, above the growth rate for all careers. Job growth is expected to be partially supported by high employment turnover that is common with this position.
Conclusion
Veterinary assistants earn moderate pay, but enjoy good work-life balance and job satisfaction. Salaries vary worldwide, with geographic region and experience having the greatest impact on income. Future job opportunities are expected to be good with anticipated growth that outpaces overall job growth.
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