Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
Salaries have increased 19% for veterinarian assistants in the last 5 years
Projected job growth for veterinarian assistants is 19% from 2018-2028
There are over 61,359 veterinarian assistants currently employed in the United States
There are 10,867 active veterinarian assistant job openings in the US based on job postings
The average salary for a veterinarian assistant is $54,915
Yes, veterinarian assistant jobs are in demand. The job market for analysts is projected to grow 19% from 2018 to 2028.
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 44,222 | 0.01% |
| 2013 | 44,594 | 0.01% |
| 2014 | 44,416 | 0.01% |
| 2015 | 47,111 | 0.01% |
| 2016 | 49,747 | 0.02% |
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | $35,980 | $17.30 | - |
| 2009 | $36,622 | $17.61 | +1.8% |
| 2010 | $38,109 | $18.32 | +4.1% |
| 2011 | $38,916 | $18.71 | +2.1% |
| 2012 | $39,815 | $19.14 | +2.3% |
Mouse over a state to see the number of active veterinarian assistant jobs in each state. The darker areas on the map show where veterinarian assistants earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 529 | 9% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 36 | 4% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 248 | 3% |
| 4 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 239 | 3% |
| 5 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 219 | 3% |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 180 | 3% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 174 | 3% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 106 | 3% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 41 | 3% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 19 | 3% |
| 11 | California | 39,536,653 | 974 | 2% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 210 | 2% |
| 13 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 175 | 2% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 138 | 2% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 107 | 2% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 71 | 2% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 55 | 2% |
| 18 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 23 | 2% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 22 | 2% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 14 | 2% |
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ormond Beach | 1 | 2% | $42,581 |
| 2 | Rochester Hills | 1 | 1% | $71,441 |
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Montana State University
Montana State University
WIMU Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine
Alan Goldhahn: Long term impact of the virus on veterinary graduates (like many issues with the virus) is hard to predict. The job market for the recent class of 2020 appeared to stay healthy. However, the industry is tied to the economy, so any long-term economic depression will, undoubtedly, be reflected in employment opportunities. A recent survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association revealed private practice income to be down 20 to 30% in April and May in 2020.
Alan Goldhahn: Technology will continue to impact our industry, even without the pandemic. Improvements in diagnostic equipment, pharmaceuticals, treatments, and even computer/phone apps will improve our ability to practice a higher quality of medicine. Probably the most profound effect of the virus, though, is the increased use of telemedicine. We are re-evaluating the definition of the client/patient relationship so we can still provide high-quality care, but safely and efficiently. Virtual visits, taking the history of the animal by phone, contactless payment processes are some of the recent changes that have been adopted. Clients waiting in their vehicles during exams and treatments and drive-through dropoff and pickup of the animal are also common.
Alan Goldhahn: Regional employment opportunities favor metropolitan areas. Our society has embraced the companion animal, so small animal veterinary services in cities remain in demand. Rural mixed animal or extensive animal practice may have less income-generating potential, so those positions can be harder to fill.