Shigoto Zukan
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How to become veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Caregiving Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$38,150
25th–75th pct. $35,660–$45,710
Top pay (est.)
$63,900
Top 10% $49,150
Pay in 5 years
$45,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$53,700est.
$46,200–$62,400
Outlook score
66/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
20%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+9.1%
23K openings / yr

How to become veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Key skills

Active Listening
3.2
Writing
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.1
Monitoring
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Service Orientation
3.1
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Coordination
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.6
Administrative
4.1
Computers and Electronics
4.0
English Language
3.8
Medicine and Dentistry
3.8
Biology
3.6
Mathematics
3.1
Chemistry
2.8

What the work involves

Assisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsHandling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityNear VisionFar VisionSpeech ClarityTrunk Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma
78%
Post-secondary certificate
11%
Less than high school
6%
Some college
4%

Training before entry

1–3 months
22%
6–12 months
21%
3–6 months
14%
Up to 1 month
8%

Related work experience

None
35%
6–12 months
25%
Up to 1 month
13%
4–6 years
10%
2–4 years
9%
3–6 months
6%
1–2 years
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.