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Kennel assistant salary
Average kennel assistant salary
$12.59
Average Kennel Assistant Salary
The average salary for a kennel assistant is $26,180 annually, which translates to approximately $13 per hour. This figure is influenced by various factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace environment. For instance, kennel assistants in metropolitan areas typically earn higher wages compared to those in rural settings.
Salary by State
The salary for kennel assistants varies significantly across different states. Here are some of the highest paying states for this role:
- California: $30,000
- New York: $28,500
- Texas: $27,000
- Florida: $26,500
Additionally, kennel assistants can enhance their earning potential by gaining experience or pursuing certifications in animal care. Many employers also offer benefits such as health insurance and paid time off, which can further improve overall compensation.
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Where can a Kennel Assistant earn more?
Kennel assistant salary estimates from across the web
Average kennel assistant salary by state
The highest-paying states for kennel assistants are North Dakota, Alaska, and Vermont. The lowest average kennel assistant salary states are Georgia, Kansas, and Hawaii.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for kennel assistants
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts | $31,237 | $15.02 |
| 2 | Utah | $29,424 | $14.15 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | $29,962 | $14.40 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $33,492 | $16.10 |
| 5 | Alaska | $32,873 | $15.80 |
| 6 | West Virginia | $29,433 | $14.15 |
| 7 | Minnesota | $30,190 | $14.51 |
| 8 | Michigan | $28,177 | $13.55 |
| 9 | New York | $31,007 | $14.91 |
| 10 | Vermont | $31,237 | $15.02 |
| 11 | California | $30,838 | $14.83 |
| 12 | Oregon | $29,289 | $14.08 |
| 13 | Colorado | $27,826 | $13.38 |
| 14 | Nebraska | $29,775 | $14.31 |
| 15 | Washington | $28,449 | $13.68 |
| 16 | Maine | $29,433 | $14.15 |
| 17 | Connecticut | $27,633 | $13.29 |
| 18 | Illinois | $28,409 | $13.66 |
| 19 | New Hampshire | $27,732 | $13.33 |
| 20 | Arizona | $26,705 | $12.84 |
| 21 | Idaho | $27,113 | $13.04 |
| 22 | Mississippi | $27,491 | $13.22 |
| 23 | Nevada | $25,416 | $12.22 |
| 24 | New Jersey | $28,215 | $13.56 |
| 25 | Wyoming | $27,213 | $13.08 |
| 26 | Wisconsin | $25,053 | $12.04 |
| 27 | Missouri | $27,205 | $13.08 |
| 28 | Tennessee | $26,018 | $12.51 |
| 29 | Ohio | $23,525 | $11.31 |
| 30 | Kentucky | $26,001 | $12.50 |
| 31 | Iowa | $23,803 | $11.44 |
| 32 | Delaware | $27,163 | $13.06 |
| 33 | Virginia | $26,231 | $12.61 |
| 34 | Florida | $23,708 | $11.40 |
| 35 | Indiana | $24,855 | $11.95 |
| 36 | Maryland | $25,548 | $12.28 |
| 37 | Texas | $23,260 | $11.18 |
| 38 | Rhode Island | $24,322 | $11.69 |
| 39 | Montana | $23,622 | $11.36 |
| 40 | Georgia | $22,605 | $10.87 |
| 41 | North Carolina | $23,838 | $11.46 |
| 42 | Alabama | $23,033 | $11.07 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $23,550 | $11.32 |
| 44 | Hawaii | $21,718 | $10.44 |
| 45 | Oklahoma | $23,002 | $11.06 |
| 46 | Kansas | $22,258 | $10.70 |
| 47 | South Carolina | $20,714 | $9.96 |
| 48 | New Mexico | $22,701 | $10.91 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $20,494 | $9.85 |
| 50 | District of Columbia | $22,817 | $10.97 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $20,754 | $9.98 |
Highest paying cities for kennel assistants
The highest-paying cities for kennel assistants are Los Gatos, CA, Lawrence, MA, and Portland, OR.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Gatos, CA | $31,537 | $15.16 |
| 2 | Lawrence, MA | $31,253 | $15.03 |
| 3 | Portland, OR | $29,375 | $14.12 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh, PA | $29,361 | $14.12 |
| 5 | Lacey, WA | $28,435 | $13.67 |
| 6 | Naperville, IL | $28,434 | $13.67 |
| 7 | Grand Rapids, MI | $28,240 | $13.58 |
| 8 | Boulder, CO | $27,926 | $13.43 |
| 9 | Springfield, VA | $27,198 | $13.08 |
| 10 | Tempe, AZ | $26,729 | $12.85 |
| 11 | Springfield, MO | $26,674 | $12.82 |
| 12 | Reno, NV | $26,038 | $12.52 |
| 13 | Carmel, IN | $24,736 | $11.89 |
| 14 | Morrisville, NC | $24,012 | $11.54 |
| 15 | Dunedin, FL | $23,734 | $11.41 |
| 16 | Carrollton, TX | $23,276 | $11.19 |
| 17 | Lancaster, OH | $23,098 | $11.10 |
| 18 | Birmingham, AL | $23,038 | $11.08 |
| 19 | Atlanta, GA | $22,711 | $10.92 |
| 20 | Hutchinson, KS | $22,082 | $10.62 |
Kennel assistant salary details
A kennel assistant's salary ranges from $20,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $34,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a kennel assistant's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $34,000 | $2,833 | $16 |
| 75th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
| Average | $26,180 | $2,182 | $13 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,000 | $1,833 | $11 |
| 10th Percentile | $20,000 | $1,667 | $10 |
Highest paying kennel assistant jobs
The highest paying types of kennel assistants are veterinarian assistant, avian keeper, and assistant.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $26,564 | $2,214 | $12.77 | 45,979 |
| Kennel Technician | $26,664 | $2,222 | $12.82 | 30,123 |
| Kennel Attendant | $26,373 | $2,198 | $12.68 | 72,239 |
Top companies hiring kennel assistants now:
Which companies pay kennel assistants the most?
Kennel assistant salaries at Target and Ethos Veterinary Health are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average kennel assistant salary at companies like Helen Woodward Animal Center and VetCor are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Target | $32,715 | $15.73 |
| 2 | Ethos Veterinary Health | $30,612 | $14.72 |
| 3 | Helen Woodward Animal Center | $30,295 | $14.56 |
| 4 | VetCor | $29,161 | $14.02 |
| 5 | Metro Nashville | $28,100 | $13.51 |
| 6 | Livingston County | $27,985 | $13.45 |
| 7 | National Veterinary Associates | $27,755 | $13.34 |
| 8 | DoveLewis | $27,528 | $13.23 |
| 9 | VCA Animal Hospitals | $26,916 | $12.94 |
| 10 | BluePearl Vet | $26,612 | $12.79 |
| 11 | Camp Bow Wow | $26,449 | $12.72 |
| 12 | Celeste Industries | $26,062 | $12.53 |
| 13 | Charlotte Country Club | $25,890 | $12.45 |
| 14 | SPCA of Wake County | $25,252 | $12.14 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Kennel assistant salary trends
The average kennel assistant salary has risen by $6,210 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average kennel assistant earned $19,970 annually, but today, they earn $26,180 a year. That works out to a 19% change in pay for kennel assistants over the last decade.
Compare kennel assistant salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average kennel assistant salary over time
Compare kennel assistant salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Kennel assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $26,200 | $12.59 | +4.5% |
| 2024 | $25,000 | $12.02 | +3.7% |
| 2023 | $24,100 | $11.58 | +5.1% |
| 2022 | $22,900 | $10.99 | +3.4% |
| 2021 | $22,100 | $10.62 | +3.5% |
Recently added kennel assistant salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Veterinary Partners | Kennel Assistant-Boarding & Grooming | Waunakee, WI | 06/29/2025 | $25,044 |
| VCA Animal Hospital | Kennel Assistant | Naperville, IL | 06/28/2025 | $31,305 |
| Highland Animal Hospital | Kennel Assistant | Rowe, MA | 06/28/2025 | $41,740 |
| Southern Veterinary Partners, LLC | Kennel Assistant | Atlanta, GA | 06/28/2025 | $18,783 |
| Veterinary Healthcare Center | Kennel Assistant | Monterey Park, CA | 06/28/2025 | $35,479 |
| Thrive Pet Healthcare | Kennel Assistant | Las Vegas, NV | 06/28/2025 | $37,566 |
| Petvet Care Centers | Kennel Assistant | Gillette, WY | 06/27/2025 | $20,870 |
| Veterinary Practice Partners | Kennel Assistant | Needham, MA | 06/27/2025 | $41,740 |
| VCA Animal Hospital | Kennel Assistant | Lacey, WA | 06/26/2025 | $33,976 |
| Lovell Animal Hospital | Kennel Assistant at Lovell Animal Hospital | Knoxville, TN | 06/26/2025 | $20,870 |
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