Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers Salary in Delaware (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Delaware, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Delaware Median
$38,610
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.56
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+1% vs US median
US median $38,150
State Rank
#15 of 51
state estimate

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Delaware?

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers working in Delaware earn a median salary of $38,610 per year, or about $18.56 per hour. That is 1% above the national median of $38,150 for this occupation.

Within Delaware, entry-level pay starts around $34,680 while the top 10% make $57,930 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,070 and $46,850 a year.

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary range in Delaware

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$34,680$16.67
25th percentile (early career)$37,070$17.82
50th percentile (median)$38,610$18.56
75th percentile (experienced)$46,850$22.52
90th percentile (top earners)$57,930$27.85

How Delaware compares

Delaware ranks 15th out of 51 states and territories for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Rhode Island$49,770
2District of Columbia$49,080
3Massachusetts$46,670
4California$46,260
5New Jersey$46,160

Working as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in Delaware

Nationally, about 127,000 people work as Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers in the United States. A certificate or diploma program (usually 6 to 18 months) is the typical entry path.

Considering a move? Compare Delaware pay ($38,610) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers make in Delaware?
The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Delaware is $38,610 per year, or about $18.56 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $34,680 at the entry level to $57,930 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Delaware pay compare to the national average?
Delaware pays Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers about 1% more than the national median of $38,150. Delaware ranks 15th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Delaware a good state for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
Yes on pay — Delaware pays above the national median for this occupation, at $38,610 a year. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Delaware?
The highest-paying occupations in Delaware include Dermatologist ($442,120), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($324,080), Physician, All Other ($297,470), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.