📍 Virginia Programs from 2 to 12 months📈 +8.7% projected growth💼 22,200 annual openings

Veterinary Assistant salary in Virginia

A strong career option in Virginia — with programs that take 2 to 12 months to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$37,450/ yr

$3,121 / mo · $18.00 / hr

$700 below the national median ($38,150)

Pay by experience

Entry

$30,430

Median

$37,450

Experienced

$48,589

Demand

Moderate

Program length

2 to 12 months

Projected growth

+8.7%

Annual openings

22,200

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Market trajectory

BLS national wage benchmarks

How Virginia compares to the national wage trend

Virginia median

$37,450

2025 national

$38,150

2024 national

$37,320

+2.2% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.

Job demand & outlook

+8.7% projected growth through 2034

22,200 average annual openings nationwide for Veterinary Assistants.

Moderate demand

Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where this career can take you

A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step

  • Veterinary Assistant (entry-level)$30,430
  • Veterinary Assistant (mid-career)$37,450
  • Veterinary Assistant (experienced)$48,589

Is this career change worth it?

A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain

What it typically costs

  • Average training cost$2,999
  • Time to complete2 to 12 months
  • Credential earnedState Certificate

What you get back

  • Starting salary$30,430
  • Median salary$37,450
  • Experienced salary$48,589

At an entry wage of $30,430, most Veterinary Assistants break even on the $2,999 training investment in about 2 months of work.

How to become a Veterinary Assistant in Virginia

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find a Veterinary Assistant program in Virginia

Browse certified training programs. Most Veterinary Assistant tracks complete in 2 to 12 months and average $2,999 in tuition.

2

Earn your State Certificate

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in Virginia.

3

Get hired in Virginia

With roughly 22,200 Veterinary Assistant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Virginia.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a Veterinary Assistant in Virginia is $37,450 per year, which is $18.00 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $30,430 while experienced Veterinary Assistants can earn up to $48,589 annually.

Next step

Find Veterinary Assistant Classes Near You

Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Veterinary Assistant classes in your area.