Salary comparison

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers vs. Nursing Assistants: Salary Comparison (2026)

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakerss earn a median salary of $37,320/year, while Nursing Assistantss earn $39,530/year - a difference of $2,210. Nursing Assistantss earn more on average. Both salaries are based on national BLS data.

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers

Nursing Assistants

Median salary

$37,320

$39,530

Hourly rate

$17.94/hr

$19.01/hr

Entry level (10th %)

$29,160

$31,390

Senior level (90th %)

$48,150

$50,140

Education required

Varies

U.S. employment

114,190

1,388,430

Job growth (10-year)

N/A