Vet assistant salary in California
Vet assistants in California earned a median of $46,260 a year in May 2025, about $22.24 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is 21% above the U.S. median of $38,150. Eight in ten earned between $37,800 (10th percentile) and $57,940 (90th percentile).
Vet assistant pay in California
| Level | A year | An hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| Median | $46,260 | $22.24 |
| 90th percentile | $57,940 | $27.86 |
California ranks 4 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by median vet assistant pay. BLS reports veterinary assistants together with laboratory animal caretakers, so these figures include both.
What clinics in California are posting now
Posted pay in California: 17 of these 17 listings, from 1 employer, state an hourly range. Ranges run from $20.00 to $31.00 an hour; the middle listing's midpoint is $24.00 an hour. These are employers' posted ranges, not survey data.
See the 17 open vet assistant jobs in California.
Other veterinary roles in California
| Role | Median a year | Median an hour | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vet tech | $60,630 | $29.15 | $47,380 |
| Vet assistant | $46,260 | $22.24 | $38,150 |
| Veterinarian | $163,920 | $78.81 | $130,100 |
Training
Most vet assistants train on the job. If you want a structured start or a credential, see vet assistant programs and certification; to earn more, compare vet tech pay in California and how to become a vet tech.
FAQ
How much does a vet assistant make in California?
The median was $46,260 a year in May 2025 (BLS), 21% above the U.S. median of $38,150.
How much does a vet assistant make an hour in California?
About $22.24 an hour at the median, from the BLS yearly figure of $46,260 divided by 2,080 hours.
How does California rank for vet assistant pay?
California ranks 4 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.) by BLS median pay. The highest medians were Rhode Island ($49,770), District of Columbia ($49,080), Massachusetts ($46,670).
Figures are BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates for May 2025, the latest release, for wage and salary workers (the self-employed are not included). The median is the middle wage: half earned more, half earned less. Hourly figures are the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours, the way BLS converts between the two. Retrieved from the BLS Public Data API on November 5, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025, veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS state estimates (Public Data API)
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