Vet assistant salary in Kentucky
Vet assistants in Kentucky earned a median of $34,140 a year in May 2025, about $16.41 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is 11% below the U.S. median of $38,150. Eight in ten earned between $26,520 (10th percentile) and $45,430 (90th percentile).
Vet assistant pay in Kentucky
| Level | A year | An hour |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,520 | $12.75 |
| Median | $34,140 | $16.41 |
| 90th percentile | $45,430 | $21.84 |
Kentucky ranks 48 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.
Jobs in Kentucky
Browse veterinary jobs, with pay shown when the employer states it.
Other veterinary roles in Kentucky
| Role | Median a year | Median an hour | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vet tech | $39,590 | $19.03 | $47,380 |
| Vet assistant | $34,140 | $16.41 | $38,150 |
| Veterinarian | $104,100 | $50.05 | $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 Kentucky and how to become a vet tech.
FAQ
How much does a vet assistant make in Kentucky?
The median was $34,140 a year in May 2025 (BLS), 11% below the U.S. median of $38,150.
How much does a vet assistant make an hour in Kentucky?
About $16.41 an hour at the median, from the BLS yearly figure of $34,140 divided by 2,080 hours.
How does Kentucky rank for vet assistant pay?
Kentucky ranks 48 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)
Get veterinary jobs in your state by email
We are adding vet tech, assistant and veterinarian jobs state by state. Leave your email and state, and we will write when jobs in your state go up or your state's rules change. One email a week at most.