Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers to increase by 9.1% between 2024 and 2034, from 132,100 to 144,200 jobs. Its estimate of 23,200 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($38,150), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
132,100
Projected employment (2034)
144,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
9%
Annual openings (projected average)
23,200
Pay & Preparation
$38,150
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Active Listening (3.5/5) • Critical Thinking (3.25/5) • Writing (3.12/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5) • Service Orientation (3.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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