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

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Maryland Median
$44,770
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.52
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+17% vs US median
US median $38,150
State Rank
#8 of 51
2,220 employed here

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

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers working in Maryland earn a median salary of $44,770 per year, or about $21.52 per hour. That is 17% above the national median of $38,150 for this occupation.

Within Maryland, entry-level pay starts around $37,150 while the top 10% make $60,710 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,440 and $49,230 a year.

Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary range in Maryland

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,150$17.86
25th percentile (early career)$39,440$18.96
50th percentile (median)$44,770$21.52
75th percentile (experienced)$49,230$23.67
90th percentile (top earners)$60,710$29.19

How Maryland compares

Maryland ranks 8th 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 Maryland

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 Maryland pay ($44,770) 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 Maryland?
The median Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers salary in Maryland is $44,770 per year, or about $21.52 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,150 at the entry level to $60,710 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Maryland pay compare to the national average?
Maryland pays Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers about 17% more than the national median of $38,150. Maryland ranks 8th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Maryland a good state for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers?
Yes on pay — Maryland pays above the national median for this occupation, at $44,770 a year. About 2,220 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers are employed in Maryland. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Maryland?
The highest-paying occupations in Maryland include Radiologist ($581,510), Emergency Medicine Physician ($451,620), Dermatologist ($442,210), 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.