Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
The median pay for a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA is $45,560/year ($21.9/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $38K at the entry level to $55K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $41,456 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 134% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $46K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (10th percentile) start around $38K. Mid-career wages sit at $46K.Top earners bring in $55K or more - a $17K 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $45,560 a year - that works out to about $21.9 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $37,810, and experienced veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers can clear $55,240. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $46K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,135/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 134.4% 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers salary is worth about $41,456 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.