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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa
Want to work as a Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Iowa? Below are the key facts. Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists. Excludes “Animal Caretakers” (39-2021).
What do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Make in Iowa?
For a veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers working in Iowa, the typical annual salary is $31,200 per year (or about $15.00/hour).Pay can range from $28,930 at the 10th percentile to $45,320 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $28,930 | $13.91 |
| 25th percentile | $29,520 | $14.19 |
| Median (50th) | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| 75th percentile | $37,700 | $18.12 |
| 90th percentile | $45,320 | $21.79 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Iowa compared to the national average — is 0.90.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers earn a median of $48,340 per year ($23.24/hour), below the Iowa median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 1,005,706 veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in the U.S.. In Iowa alone, around 1,040 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 1,400 veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.
Top Iowa Metros for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
These are the Iowa metros with the most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers in Iowa.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 250 | $33,280 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 110 | $30,140 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 90 | $30,700 |
| Ames, IA | 70 | $34,580 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 60 | $29,840 |
Top States for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Employment
The table below shows the states where the most veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 14,960 |
| Texas | 8,040 |
| Florida | 7,060 |
| New York | 5,680 |
| North Carolina | 5,190 |
| Virginia | 4,880 |
| Washington | 4,720 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,390 |
| Ohio | 4,190 |
| Michigan | 4,040 |
| Illinois | 3,790 |
| Georgia | 3,280 |
| Colorado | 2,950 |
| Oregon | 2,670 |
| Indiana | 2,670 |
| Arizona | 2,210 |
| Tennessee | 2,180 |
| Missouri | 2,040 |
| Wisconsin | 1,940 |
| New Jersey | 1,910 |
Highest-Paying States for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Where veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers earn the most: veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $48,050 |
| Massachusetts | $45,480 |
| California | $45,470 |
| Maine | $44,080 |
| Minnesota | $43,670 |
| Washington | $43,590 |
| District of Columbia | $43,580 |
| Maryland | $43,520 |
| New York | $43,150 |
| New Jersey | $42,910 |
Skills
The most important veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers typically:
- Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
- Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
- Fill medication prescriptions.
- Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
- Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
- Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
- Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
- Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.
- Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
- Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
- Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Working with Computers
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Access
Related Careers
Related occupations to veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers include:
- Pharmacists
- Physician Assistants
- Veterinarians
- Registered Nurses
- Nurse Practitioners
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
Also Known As
Animal Care Provider, Animal Care Service Worker, Animal Care Specialist, Animal Caregiver, Animal Caretaker, Animal Health Technician, Avian Keeper, Certified Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, Inpatient Technician Assistant, Kennel Vet Assistant (Kennel Veterinary Assistant), Laboratory Animal Caretaker, Laboratory Animal Technician, Research Animal Attendant, Small Animal Caretaker.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 31-9096.00
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