Veterinarian
$110K - $150K/yr
... and assistants. We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide ... We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ...
Veterinarian
$110K - $150K/yr
... and assistants. We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide ... We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ...
Veterinarian
$110K - $150K/yr
... and assistants. We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide ... We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ...
Veterinarian
$110K - $150K/yr
... and assistants. We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide ... We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ...
Veterinarian
Decatur, IL · On-site
$110K - $150K/yr
... and assistants. We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide ... We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ...
Veterinarian
Decatur, IL · On-site
$110K - $150K/yr
... and assistants. We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide ... We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ...
Veterinarian| Timbercrest Veterinary Services
Lincoln, IL · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
This is a unique opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys mentoring teammates, building client relationships, and practicing thoughtful medicine in a stable, well-supported environment. Both ...
Veterinarian| Timbercrest Veterinary Services
Lincoln, IL · On-site
$100K - $130K/yr
This is a unique opportunity for a veterinarian who enjoys mentoring teammates, building client relationships, and practicing thoughtful medicine in a stable, well-supported environment. Both ...
Experienced Mothers Wanted to Help a Growing Family
Clinton, IL · On-site
$60K - $160K/yr
Roots Surrogacy is seeking exceptional women for a highly supported, premium surrogacy experience. We work with intended parents who are deeply invested in creating a respectful, connected, and well ...
Experienced Mothers Wanted to Help a Growing Family
Clinton, IL · On-site
$60K - $160K/yr
Roots Surrogacy is seeking exceptional women for a highly supported, premium surrogacy experience. We work with intended parents who are deeply invested in creating a respectful, connected, and well ...
Veterinarian Assistant information
See Decatur, IL salary details
$9.79 - $11
2% of jobs
$11 - $12.21
4% of jobs
$12.21 - $13.42
6% of jobs
$14.49 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.42 - $14.63
14% of jobs
$14.63 - $15.83
22% of jobs
The median wage is $15.91 / hr.
$15.83 - $17.04
16% of jobs
$18 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.04 - $18.25
13% of jobs
$18.25 - $19.46
10% of jobs
$19.46 - $20.67
7% of jobs
$20.67 - $21.88
3% of jobs
$21.88 - $23.08
2% of jobs
$9
$16
$23
How much do veterinarian assistant jobs pay per hour?
As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinarian assistant in Decatur, IL is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What qualifications do you need to be a vet assistant?
Veterinarian assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal education is not always required, completing a veterinary assistant program or certification can improve job prospects. Strong communication skills, the ability to handle animals, and familiarity with veterinary tools are also beneficial.
What is the top pay for a veterinary assistant?
The top pay for a veterinary assistant typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour, with annual salaries reaching around $30,000 to $40,000 for experienced professionals. Salary can vary based on location, experience, and the type of veterinary practice, and additional skills such as animal handling and basic medical procedures can influence earning potential.
What Is the Job of a Veterinarian Assistant?
Veterinarian assistants, or vet assistants, help veterinarians and veterinarian technicians in animal care hospitals, animal clinics, or other veterinary facilities. As a veterinarian assistant, you feed, bathe, and exercise animals in your care. Veterinarian assistants also restrain animals when the vet examines or treats them. Other responsibilities may include cleaning and sterilizing exam and surgical rooms and equipment, greeting pet owners when they enter the office, and organizing files. Some veterinarian assistant positions require you to perform lab work, such as drawing blood from animals, collecting urine samples, and administering medication under the supervision of the primary veterinarian or technician.
What are veterinarian assistants?
Veterinarian assistants are professionals who support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal clinics, hospitals, and shelters. Their duties typically include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, cleaning cages and work areas, assisting with examinations, and handling basic administrative tasks. They play an important role in ensuring the well-being of animals and maintaining an efficient veterinary practice. Veterinarian assistants do not diagnose or treat animals but provide essential support to the veterinary team. This entry-level position is a great way to gain experience in animal care and the veterinary field.
Can you be a vet assistant with no experience?
Veterinarian assistants can often start with little or no prior experience, as many employers provide on-the-job training. Basic knowledge of animal care, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are helpful, and some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification is not always required but can improve job prospects and responsibilities.
Is being a veterinary assistant worth it?
Veterinary assistants perform supportive tasks in animal healthcare settings, gaining experience with animal care, medical procedures, and client communication. The role often offers entry-level employment, with opportunities for skill development and advancement through additional training or certification. Job satisfaction can depend on interest in animal welfare and working conditions, but it generally provides a foundation for a career in veterinary medicine.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinarian Assistant, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Veterinarian Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal care, basic medical terminology, and typically a high school diploma or certificate in veterinary assisting. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and animal restraint tools is often required. Compassion, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supporting both animals and clients. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring animal welfare, smooth clinic operations, and positive experiences for pet owners and their pets.
What is the difference between Veterinarian Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?
| Aspect | Veterinarian Assistant | Veterinary Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training | Associate degree in veterinary technology; certification often required |
| Work Environment | Animal clinics, shelters, pet hospitals | Animal clinics, hospitals, research facilities |
| Job Responsibilities | Assist with animal care, cleaning, basic procedures | Perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, assist in surgeries |
Veterinarian Assistants typically have less formal education and focus on supporting daily animal care tasks. Veterinary Technicians have specialized training and perform more complex medical procedures, often working closely with veterinarians. Both roles are essential in animal healthcare settings, but Veterinary Technicians have a broader scope of practice and certification requirements.
What are some common challenges faced by veterinarian assistants in a busy animal clinic?
Veterinarian assistants in busy clinics often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, handling anxious or aggressive animals, and maintaining clear communication between veterinarians, clients, and other staff. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize urgent cases while still attending to routine tasks like cleaning, feeding, and restocking supplies. Adapting to changing situations and staying calm under pressure are essential for providing quality care to both animals and their owners.
More about Veterinarian Assistant jobs
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Veterinarian Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Veterinarian Assistant job openings:
Job description
Northgate Pet Clinic is seeking a full-time Associate Veterinarian at our 6-doctor practice located in Decatur, the heart of Illinois. New grads are welcome!
We are a well-established, AAHA-accredited, full-service small animal veterinary hospital. We provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care for canines, felines, exotics, pocket pets, and a small number of zoo animals (tigers anyone?).
Any interest in expanding your day-to-day duties? We remain continuously engaged in a variety of clinical trials and perform extensive soft tissue, dental, and orthopedic surgeries daily.
Looking for mentoring, training, and support? We offer both individualized and team-structured training. We have a large staff of 40+ (many are Fear-Free Certified), including a very talented brigade of technicians and assistants.
We are primarily appointment-based, accept occasional walk-ins, and provide emergency after-hour care for our clients. This is a full-time position that offers 40 hours per week with a rotating Saturday schedule of 2x 8-5 PM and 1x 12-5 PM. On-call includes 1 weekend per month between the doctor staff. We are closed on Sundays and holidays.
We offer a very large variety of cases, we've done it all and seen it all! We are looking for a veterinarian who has an interest in providing a wide variety of services ranging from wellness exams and vaccines to advanced diagnostics and complex surgical procedures. We provide services to a high number of breeders, Reproduction experience would be a plus. Interest in Cardiology? This role would be for you too!
No matter your level of experience, whether you're a new grad or have been providing care for years, we welcome you.
About the Hospital
- Laser surgery & therapy treatments
- State-of-the-art surgical procedures & monitoring
- Advanced oral surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- All dental procedures
- Digital imaging & ultrasonography
- Canines, felines, avians, pocket pets, and zoo animals
To learn more, visit https://northgatepetclinic.com/
*Prosal Compensation with a base range of $110k - $150k. Compensation commensurate with experience, skills, schedule, and the scope of services provided.
About NVA
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.