DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
31-9096 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Occupational Description:
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).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| EDR 11 - 7 County Twin Cities | 540 | 73 | $14.22/hr | $0.58/hr | $10.19/hr | $12.19/hr | $14.06/hr | $16.52/hr | $18.33/hr |
| Minnesota | 840 | 74 | $14.05/hr | $0.42/hr | $9.58/hr | $12.01/hr | $13.99/hr | $16.52/hr | $18.38/hr |
| U S | 71,500 | 1,788 | $12.04/hr | $0.08/hr | $8.35/hr | $9.35/hr | $11.25/hr | $14.03/hr | $17.28/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Dental Hygienists | 2,450 | $34.48/hr | N/A |
| Nonfarm Animal Caretakers | 1,370 | $9.04/hr | N/A |
| Respiratory Therapists | 910 | $31.00/hr | N/A |
| Surgical Technologists | 810 | $24.53/hr | N/A |
| Agricultural and Food Science Technicians | 320 | $20.33/hr | N/A |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | N/A | $12.50/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Prepares patient, medications, equipment, and instruments for surgical procedures, using specialized knowledge.
- Assists veterinarian in variety of animal health care duties, including injections, venipunctures, and wound dressings.
- Completes routine laboratory tests and cares for and feeds laboratory animals.
- Inspects products or carcasses to ensure compliance with health standards, when employed in food processing plant.
- Assists professional personnel with research projects in commercial, public health, or research laboratories.
- Assists veterinarian during surgical procedures, passing instruments and materials in accordance with oral instructions.
- Prepares examination or treatment room, and holds or restrains animal during procedures.