Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Washington

$17,998 $58,408
10th pct Median: $33,958 90th pct
Percentile Annual Salary
10th (Entry Level)$17,998
25th Percentile$24,450
50th (Median)$33,958
75th Percentile$46,862
90th (Top Earners)$58,408
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

The Washington median salary of $33,958 for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers has the purchasing power of approximately $28,608 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).

Washington's higher cost of living (COL index: 118.7) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.

COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Washington?
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington earn a median annual salary of $33,958 per year ($16.33/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $30,320.
Is Washington a good state for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
Washington pays above the national average for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in Washington is higher average (COL index: 118.7).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 118.7 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $33,958 salary in Washington has the purchasing power of approximately $28,608 in Missouri. Higher living costs in Washington reduce real purchasing power.
How does Washington compare to neighboring states for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.

Top Paying Jobs in Washington

# Job Title Median Annual
1 Anesthesiologists $372,064
2 Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric $342,966
3 Neurologists $331,072
4 Surgeons, All Other $329,862
5 Psychiatrists $279,774
6 Physicians, Pathologists $273,190
7 General Internal Medicine Physicians $272,541
8 Obstetricians and Gynecologists $267,904
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

About Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Washington

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy.

Education Required: Associate's degree

View national Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary data →