Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Workforce Benchmarks: 2026 Data

Publication Date: August 13, 2026

This research article from StopHighTurnover Research provides a detailed analysis of the workforce benchmarks for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, an occupation central to animal healthcare and biomedical research. Utilizing the most current verified data from authoritative sources, including O*NET OnLine and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this report offers essential insights for employers navigating recruitment and retention within this specialized field. Understanding the scale of the workforce, projected demand, and compensation standards is critical for strategic workforce planning and maintaining operational continuity.

The ONET-SOC code for this combined occupation is 31-9096.00, encompassing professionals who provide essential support in diverse animal care environments [1]. Veterinary assistants typically work in clinical settings, aiding veterinarians with patient care, administrative tasks, and facility maintenance. Laboratory animal caretakers, conversely, focus on the welfare and daily management of animals in research and testing facilities, ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. Despite their distinct operational contexts, ONET groups these roles due to their shared foundational competencies in animal handling, observation, and basic care.

Workforce size and composition

The occupation of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is a substantial component of the animal care industry. As of 2024, O*NET data indicates a total of 117,800 jobs nationwide for this combined role [1]. This figure represents the estimated number of individuals employed in these capacities across various settings, including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and educational institutions. The magnitude of this workforce underscores its critical contribution to both animal health services and scientific advancement.

The national scope of this job count implies that demand for these professionals is distributed across the country, aligning with the prevalence of veterinary practices and research facilities in different regions. While the total number provides a broad overview, employers must recognize that this aggregated figure does not account for regional variations in supply and demand. Local market conditions can significantly influence the availability of qualified candidates and the competitiveness of hiring efforts. However, the national benchmark serves as a foundational metric for understanding the overall scale of the talent pool.

The composition of this workforce is diverse, encompassing individuals with varying levels of experience and educational backgrounds. While formal education requirements can differ, many roles benefit from postsecondary non-degree awards or vocational training programs specific to veterinary assisting or laboratory animal care. The nature of the tasks performed by these professionals, which often involve direct animal interaction, technical assistance, and adherence to protocols, necessitates a blend of practical skills and foundational knowledge. Understanding the scale of the existing workforce is the first step in forecasting future talent needs and developing effective recruitment strategies.

Projected openings and demand

The demand for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to remain robust, with O*NET data indicating 22,200 projected annual openings [1]. This substantial number signifies a consistent and ongoing need for new entrants into the occupation, driven by both employment growth and the necessity to replace workers who exit the labor force or transition to other roles. For employers with recurring hiring needs, this projection highlights a sustained recruitment environment that necessitates proactive workforce planning.

Annual openings are a crucial metric for employers, as they represent the perpetual demand that must be met to maintain staffing levels and support organizational growth. The figure of 22,200 openings per year is not merely a reflection of new positions being created but also accounts for turnover, retirements, and other forms of labor force exits. This persistent demand implies that the talent pipeline for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers must be continuously refreshed and expanded to prevent staffing shortages.

The consistent volume of annual openings suggests a persistent demand for these roles, indicating that employers will likely face ongoing recruitment challenges if not adequately prepared. Organizations that rely heavily on these professionals, such as large veterinary hospital networks or extensive research facilities, must develop robust recruitment strategies that extend beyond reactive hiring. This includes establishing strong relationships with educational institutions, investing in training programs, and cultivating a positive work environment to enhance retention. The sustained demand also underscores the importance of competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract and retain talent in a consistently active job market.

Compensation benchmarks

Compensation is a critical factor in both attracting and retaining skilled professionals. For veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, the median annual wage was $38,150 in 2025 [1]. This national median wage serves as a benchmark for employers to evaluate their compensation structures and ensure competitiveness within the labor market. The median wage indicates that half of all workers in this occupation earned more than this amount, and half earned less.

It is important to interpret this median wage within the context of the skills, responsibilities, and work environments associated with the occupation. The roles often require a blend of technical proficiency, compassionate animal handling, and adherence to strict protocols, particularly in laboratory settings where regulatory compliance is paramount. The median wage provides a central tendency measure, but actual wages can vary based on several factors, including geographic location, employer type (e.g., private veterinary practice versus large research institution), years of experience, specific duties performed, and additional certifications or specializations.

For employers, understanding this national median is essential for setting appropriate salary ranges during recruitment and for conducting internal pay equity analyses. Offering compensation that is competitive, or ideally above the median, can significantly enhance an organization's ability to attract top talent and reduce voluntary turnover. Conversely, wages significantly below the median may lead to difficulties in filling positions and higher rates of employee attrition. While the BLS provides national wage data [2, 8], employers are encouraged to consider local wage data from the O*NET OnLine platform or other sources to refine their compensation strategies for specific markets.

Nature of the work

The dual nature of the veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker roles, as captured by O*NET-SOC 31-9096.00, involves a comprehensive set of tasks and work activities that are fundamental to animal health and scientific research. Understanding these core functions is essential for employers to develop accurate job descriptions, effective training programs, and realistic performance expectations.

Veterinary assistants primarily support veterinarians and veterinary technologists/technicians. Their tasks frequently involve preparing animals for examination or treatment, sterilizing instruments and equipment, and providing post-operative care instructions to animal owners [4]. They may also assist with laboratory procedures, maintain medical records, and perform administrative duties. The work context for veterinary assistants often includes exposure to animal waste, diseases, and potential bites or scratches, requiring adherence to safety protocols and a strong understanding of animal behavior [10]. The work environment is typically fast-paced and requires strong interpersonal skills for interacting with both animals and their owners.

Laboratory animal caretakers, on the other hand, focus on the daily care and monitoring of animals within research and testing facilities. Their responsibilities include cleaning and sanitizing cages and enclosures, feeding and watering animals, and observing animals for signs of illness or distress [4, 9]. They are also crucial in maintaining accurate records of animal health, diet, and experimental protocols. The work context for laboratory animal caretakers emphasizes strict adherence to animal welfare regulations, ethical guidelines, and biosafety protocols [10]. This environment often involves working with various species, specialized equipment, and potentially hazardous materials, necessitating meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to animal well-being.

Common work activities across both roles, as detailed by O*NET, include handling and moving animals, performing general physical activities, monitoring processes, materials, or surroundings, and documenting/recording information [9]. These activities highlight the hands-on and observational nature of the work, emphasizing the need for physical stamina, keen observation skills, and meticulous record-keeping. The work context also frequently involves working with others, making decisions, and communicating with supervisors or colleagues, underscoring the collaborative aspects of these roles [10].

For employers, this detailed understanding of the occupation's tasks, work activities, and work context is invaluable. It informs the hiring process by allowing for the creation of targeted interview questions and skill assessments. It also guides the development of comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training programs, ensuring that new hires are equipped with the specific competencies required for success in either a clinical or laboratory setting. Recognizing the shared foundational skills while appreciating the distinct operational nuances is key to effective workforce management for this combined occupation.

Hiring implications and workforce planning

The detailed workforce benchmarks for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers carry significant implications for employers engaged in continuous hiring within this sector. The volume of 117,800 jobs indicates a substantial, established workforce, while the 22,200 projected annual openings signal a persistent and considerable demand for new talent [1]. This dual reality suggests that employers must adopt strategic and proactive approaches to recruitment and retention rather than relying on reactive hiring models.

The consistent need to fill over 22,000 positions annually means that competition for qualified candidates is likely to be ongoing. Employers cannot afford to treat hiring as an episodic event but rather as a continuous pipeline management process. This involves cultivating relationships with vocational schools, community colleges, and university programs that offer training in veterinary assisting or animal science. Establishing externship or internship programs can serve as effective talent feeders, allowing organizations to assess potential hires in a practical setting and provide valuable on-the-job experience.

Beyond initial recruitment, retention strategies are paramount. The median wage of $38,150 in 2025 provides a benchmark for competitive compensation [1]. Employers who offer wages and benefits packages that meet or exceed this national median are better positioned to attract and retain talent. However, compensation alone is often not sufficient. The nature of the work, which can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging, necessitates supportive work environments. This includes providing adequate training, clear career progression paths, opportunities for professional development, and strong management support. Addressing factors that contribute to burnout or dissatisfaction can significantly reduce turnover rates, thereby mitigating the continuous pressure to recruit.

Furthermore, the specific tasks and work contexts outlined by O*NET [4, 9, 10] offer valuable insights for refining job descriptions and person specifications. Employers should clearly articulate the blend of technical skills, animal handling expertise, and interpersonal competencies required. For veterinary assistant roles, emphasis on client communication and clinical support is crucial. For laboratory animal caretakers, a focus on meticulous record-keeping, adherence to protocols, and understanding of animal welfare regulations is vital. Tailoring recruitment messages to these specific aspects of the role can attract candidates with the most relevant aptitudes and expectations.

Finally, workforce planning should account for the national scope of these benchmarks while recognizing the importance of local market dynamics. While national data provides a macro perspective, employers should also leverage local wage data and employment figures where available (e.g., through O*NET's local wage tool [2]) to fine-tune their strategies. This integrated approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the talent landscape, enabling employers to make informed decisions that support long-term staffing stability and operational excellence.

Findings and limitations

The analysis of workforce benchmarks for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers reveals several key findings. The occupation represents a significant segment of the animal care sector, with 117,800 jobs recorded in 2024. This workforce is characterized by a sustained demand, evidenced by 22,200 projected annual openings, indicating a continuous need for talent replenishment and growth [1]. The national median annual wage of $38,150 in 2025 provides a critical benchmark for compensation strategies [1]. The detailed O*NET data on tasks, work activities, and work context further elucidates the multifaceted nature of these roles, requiring a blend of practical skills, observational abilities, and adherence to specific protocols [4, 9, 10]. These figures are national-level benchmarks and include both full-time and part-time workers, providing a broad overview of the occupation's landscape.

Despite these insights, it is important to acknowledge the inherent limitations of aggregated national data. All figures presented are national benchmarks and do not account for regional or local variations in job availability, demand, or wage levels. Specific geographic markets may experience different supply-demand dynamics and cost-of-living factors that influence actual compensation and recruitment challenges. Employers are advised to supplement this national overview with localized data when making specific operational decisions.

Furthermore, while the ONET-SOC 31-9096.00 code combines veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers, there are distinct differences in their day-to-day responsibilities and work environments, as detailed in the frequently asked questions. The aggregated data may not fully capture the nuances of demand or compensation specific to each sub-role. For instance, specialized skills or certifications for laboratory animal care (e.g., AALAS certification) might influence earning potential or hiring preferences in research settings, but such distinctions are not granularly reflected in the broad ONET summary data.

The data points provided are current as of their respective publication or update dates (e.g., 2024 for jobs, 2025 for wages, 2026 for O*NET summaries). Workforce dynamics can evolve, and while these represent the most recent verified inputs, continuous monitoring of updated statistics from sources like the BLS [5, 6, 7, 8] is recommended for the most current perspective. The projections for annual openings are estimates based on historical trends and economic forecasts, and actual outcomes may vary depending on unforeseen economic shifts or industry-specific developments.

Conclusion

The occupation of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (ONET-SOC 31-9096.00) is a vital and consistently in-demand workforce segment. With 117,800 jobs nationally in 2024 and a projected 22,200 annual openings, employers face an ongoing need to attract, hire, and retain qualified professionals [1]. The national median annual wage of $38,150 in 2025 serves as a critical benchmark for competitive compensation strategies [1]. The detailed understanding of the specific tasks, work activities, and work context provided by ONET is indispensable for developing targeted recruitment, training, and retention programs [4, 9, 10].

For organizations with recurring hiring needs, a proactive and strategic approach to workforce planning is essential. This includes fostering talent pipelines, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and cultivating supportive work environments that address the unique demands of these roles. While national benchmarks provide a foundational understanding, employers are encouraged to consider localized data to refine their strategies for specific markets. By leveraging these verified workforce benchmarks, employers can make informed decisions to ensure stable staffing, support operational excellence, and contribute to the sustained provision of animal care and scientific research.

Data sources and methodology

This research article synthesizes workforce benchmarks for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers (ONET-SOC 31-9096.00) using verified data from authoritative U.S. government sources. The primary data providers are ONET OnLine, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The methodology involves extracting specific, verified data points related to job counts, projected annual openings, and median annual wages directly from the provided source ledger. These figures are presented as national benchmarks. The O*NET system provides comprehensive occupational information, including detailed descriptions of tasks, work activities, and work context, which are derived from extensive occupational analysis and surveys [1, 3, 4, 9, 10]. The BLS is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and economic measures in the economy, providing robust data on occupational employment, wages, and projections [5, 6, 7, 8].

All numerical data points, including job counts, projected openings, and median wages, are cited with their respective publication or effective dates as provided in the source ledger. This ensures that the analysis is based on the most current verified inputs. The article adheres strictly to presenting these figures as facts and limits interpretation to reasonable analytical implications, clearly labeled as such. The scope of the data is national, reflecting aggregated statistics across the United States, and includes both full-time and part-time positions. The methodology does not involve the generation of new data or projections but rather the analysis and contextualization of existing, verified public information.

Sources

1. O*NET occupation summary for 31-9096.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
2. National wages for 31-9096.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
3. Occupation details for 31-9096.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
4. Occupation tasks for 31-9096.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
5. Occupational Projections and Worker Characteristics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-08-28.
6. Education and Training Assignments by Detailed Occupation, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-08-28.
7. Industry Occupation Matrix by Occupation, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025-08-28.
8. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2026-05-15.
9. Work activities for 31-9096.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.
10. Work context for 31-9096.00, O*NET OnLine, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the O*NET-SOC code for this occupation? The O*NET-SOC code for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is 31-9096.00.

What is the difference between veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers? While both roles involve animal care, veterinary assistants primarily support veterinarians in clinical settings, assisting with examinations, treatments, and facility maintenance. Laboratory animal caretakers focus on the daily care and monitoring of animals in research environments, ensuring their welfare and supporting scientific studies. O*NET combines these roles due to shared core competencies.

Are these figures regional or national? All figures presented in this article, including job counts, projected openings, and median wages, are national-level benchmarks. They do not account for variations in specific geographic regions or local markets.

Do these numbers include part-time positions? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational employment data, from which these figures are derived, typically includes both full-time and part-time workers.

How often is this data updated? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) updates its occupational projections and wage statistics periodically. The dates associated with each source indicate when the data was published or last updated. This article uses the most current verified inputs provided.