Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in District of Columbia
The median pay for a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in District of Columbia is $43,580/year ($20.95/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $57K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $44K get you in District of Columbia?
About veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, District of Columbia
Entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $44K.Top earners bring in $57K or more - a $20K spread from bottom to top.
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $48K | +29% | 360 |
| Massachusetts | $45K | +22% | 1,470 |
| California | $45K | +22% | 14,960 |
| Maine | $44K | +18% | 790 |
| Minnesota | $44K | +17% | 1,220 |
| Washington | $44K | +17% | 4,720 |
| District of Columbia | $44K | +17% | 150 |
| Maryland | $44K | +17% | 1,690 |
| New York | $43K | +16% | 5,680 |
| New Jersey | $43K | +15% | 1,910 |
| Oregon | $43K | +15% | 2,670 |
| Connecticut | $40K | +6% | 1,270 |
| Arizona | $38K | +2% | 2,210 |
| Alaska | $38K | +1% | 150 |
| Illinois | $37K | -0% | 3,790 |
Track veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when District of Columbia numbers change.
Related careers in Healthcare Support
Frequently asked questions
How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make in District of Columbia?
The median is $43,580 a year - that works out to about $20.95 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,260, and experienced veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers can clear $56,730. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $44K enough to live in District of Columbia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,960/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,246/month (median of metro areas), which eats 75.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary go in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary is worth about $43,580 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.