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Occupational Employment Statistics


DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA

31-9096 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers



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 post-operative 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 "Nonfarm Animal Caretakers" (39-2021).

Geography Click link for Career Profile EmploymentEmp SE*Percentiles
Mean10th25thMedian75th90th
Minnesota 1,22098$20.47/hr$16.65/hr$18.73/hr$21.36/hr$22.12/hr$23.11/hr


IndustryOES Employment (Statewide)OES Median Wage (Statewide)
Trade, Transportation and Utilities80$22.09/hr
Professional and Business Services910$20.85/hr
Education and Health ServicesN/AN/A
Other ServicesN/AN/A
 
Geography Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
La Crosse WI-MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Rochester MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
St Cloud MN MSA N/AN/AN/A
Northeast Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Southwest Balance of State N/AN/AN/A
Grand Forks ND-MN MSA 20$16.99/hrN/A
Mankato-North Mankato MN MSA 20$18.64/hrN/A
Northeast Minnesota 40$18.63/hr18.2%
Duluth MN-WI MSA 40$18.63/hrN/A
Southeast Balance of State 40$18.73/hrN/A
Southwest Minnesota 50$18.67/hrN/A
Southeast Minnesota 60$18.73/hrN/A
Northwest Balance of State 60$18.27/hrN/A
Northwest Minnesota 70$18.27/hrN/A
Fargo ND-MN MSA 90$17.79/hrN/A
Central Minnesota 100$19.11/hr21.4%
Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 870$21.53/hr18.5%
Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA 960$21.48/hrN/A
Minnesota 1,220$21.36/hr18.9%


Occupations Click link for details EmploymentMedian WageProjections
% Change 2022-2032
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians 4,250$39.48/hr5.4%
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 4,320$24.13/hr21.9%
Dental Assistants 5,590$31.60/hr6.2%


  • Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
  • Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.
  • Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
  • Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
  • Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
  • Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.
  • Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.
  • Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.
  • Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.
  • Fill medication prescriptions.