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How much do veterinary surgical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary surgical assistant in the United States is $17.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary surgical assistant?

Veterinary surgical assistants are trained professionals who support veterinarians during surgical procedures. Their duties include preparing the operating area, sterilizing equipment, monitoring animals under anesthesia, and assisting with pre- and post-operative care. They work closely with the veterinary team to ensure surgeries are performed safely and efficiently, and they also help maintain records and provide compassionate care to animal patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary surgical assistant?

To thrive as a Veterinary Surgical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal anatomy, surgical procedures, and sterile techniques, often supported by a veterinary technology certificate or diploma. Familiarity with anesthesia machines, surgical instruments, and veterinary practice management software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure the safety of animals during surgery, support efficient surgical teams, and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by veterinary surgical assistants during surgical procedures?

Veterinary Surgical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterility in the operating room, managing anxious or reactive animals, and responding quickly to the changing needs of the surgical team. They must be attentive and proactive, ensuring all instruments and supplies are available and functioning, while also keeping detailed records. Adapting to different veterinarians' preferences and handling emergencies calmly are key aspects that can make the role demanding but rewarding.

Where do veterinary surgical assistants make the most money?

Veterinary surgical assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized veterinary services. States or areas with a strong presence of veterinary teaching hospitals or specialty clinics often offer higher wages due to increased complexity of procedures and required skills. Certification and experience can also influence earning potential regardless of location.
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What cities are hiring for Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs?

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What states have the most Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs are:

Veterinary Surgical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Surgical Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,859 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant, ER

Ethos Veterinary Health

Grand Terrace, CA • On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Emergency
$21.00-$26.00/hour (DOE)
Part-time opportunity in Grand Terrace, California
Schedule: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Bring your hands-on veterinary skills to the Emergency team at Animal Emergency Clinic (AEC), an AAHA-accredited emergency veterinary hospital serving pets and families throughout the Inland Empire for more than 50 years.
As an Emergency Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside ER veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians providing hands-on support for emergency, surgical, hospitalized, and critically ill patients. This position is designed for an experienced Veterinary Assistant who is already comfortable with anesthesia and surgical assisting and wants to continue developing advanced emergency and critical care skills.
Why Join Animal Emergency Clinic
Animal Emergency Clinic is a growing emergency veterinary hospital with plans to expand to 24/7 emergency care. Our diverse caseload provides exposure to emergency procedures, surgery, anesthesia, critical care, diagnostics, and hospitalized patient care.
You'll join a collaborative team where your existing technical skills are valued and you'll have opportunities to continue learning and advancing your veterinary career.
In Your Day-to-Day, You Will
  • Assist ER veterinarians and RVTs with emergency patient care, treatments, diagnostics, and procedures.
  • Support emergency triage, patient stabilization, and hospitalized patient care.
  • Prepare patients, equipment, and surgical suites for emergency surgical procedures.
  • Assist veterinarians and RVTs during surgical procedures.
  • Support anesthesia monitoring and patient recovery under appropriate clinical supervision.
  • Monitor hospitalized and post-operative patients and communicate changes in patient condition.
  • Accurately document treatments, observations, and patient updates.
  • Maintain clean, organized, safe, and well-stocked treatment and surgical areas.
  • Help maintain efficient patient flow during high-volume emergency shifts.
  • Collaborate with the medical team to provide compassionate, high-quality patient care.

What You Bring
  • Minimum of one year of hands-on experience in a fast-paced veterinary hospital environment.
  • Hands-on veterinary anesthesia experience required.
  • Previous experience assisting during veterinary surgical procedures required.
  • Strong animal handling, patient monitoring, and veterinary technical skills.
  • Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and communicate concerns appropriately.
  • Strong communication, organization, multitasking, and teamwork skills.
  • Emergency, urgent care, specialty, ICU, or critical care experience highly preferred.
  • Dependable, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced emergency veterinary environment.

Recent graduates with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology are encouraged to apply if they have sufficient hands-on anesthesia and surgical experience through clinical rotations, externships, or previous veterinary employment.
Perks & Benefits
Benefits and perks for eligible part-time team members may include employee pet care discounts, 401(k), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), scrub allowance, continuing education opportunities, VetBloom learning resources, and career development opportunities, including pathways toward becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Location Highlight
Located in Grand Terrace in California's Inland Empire, Animal Emergency Clinic is conveniently accessible from Riverside, San Bernardino, Colton, Loma Linda, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Rialto, Highland, and surrounding communities.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary professionals in hospitals designed for learning, collaboration, and clinical excellence.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and help advance veterinary medicine-together.
Join Us
If you're an experienced Veterinary Assistant, Emergency Veterinary Assistant, ER Veterinary Assistant, or Veterinary Technician Assistant with hands-on anesthesia and surgical assisting experience, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and continue building your emergency and critical care skills with Animal Emergency Clinic.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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