How much does a veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker make in Columbia?
$34,900a year
Median yearly pay for veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretakers in the Columbia, MO metro area. That is $16.78 an hour or $2,908 a month.
- Hourly
- $16.78
- Vs. national median
- -9%
- Rank among cities
- 238 of 283
- Jobs in the area
- 130
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $29,210Median: $34,900Highest 10%: $43,320
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $29,210 | $14.04 | |
| 25th | $31,840 | $15.31 | |
| Median | $34,900 | $16.78 | |
| 75th | $36,220 | $17.41 | |
| 90th | $43,320 | $20.83 |
Other cities in Missouri
Median yearly pay for veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretakers.
| St. Louis, MO | $37,790 |
| Kansas City, MO | $37,600 |
| Jefferson City, MO | $35,920 |
| Springfield, MO | $34,230 |
Related jobs in Columbia
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $63,540 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $62,810 |
| Dental Assistant | $46,920 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,340 |
| Medical Assistant | $41,350 |
| Nursing Assistant | $41,290 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide | $36,860 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker make an hour in Columbia?
The median hourly pay in the Columbia, MO metro area is $16.78 ($34,900 a year).
Do veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretakers make more in Columbia than the national average?
No: $34,900 against $38,150 nationally, 9% less.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of Missouri?
The median in Missouri is $36,660, so Columbia pays 5% less.
Where does Columbia rank for veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker pay?
238 of 283 metro areas with data.
How much does a veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker make starting out in Columbia?
The lowest-paid 10% make $29,210 or less a year; the top 10% make $43,320 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.