How much does a Veterinary assistant make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Veterinary assistant

Veterinary assistant

33 400 kr

Veterinary nurses etc.

31 300 - 40 300 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Hälso- & sjukvård

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Veterinary assistant

Average salary 33 400 kr
Males 34 500 kr
Females 33 300 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 18 Vacant jobs ->

What does a veterinary assistant do? – Tasks and work environment

A veterinary assistant works closely with veterinarians and veterinary nurses to support treatment, examinations, and animal care. Tasks include assisting during surgeries and sampling, performing simpler medical treatments, feeding animals, and cleaning equipment and facilities. The role also involves administrative duties such as scheduling, record-keeping, and communicating with pet owners. The work environment is often dynamic and requires good stress management, as the workday can vary between urgent interventions and routine tasks at clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary practices.

Salary development over time

The salary for veterinary assistants has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,200 SEK, followed by an increase to 31 800 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 33 400 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 10.6% over three years. This positive salary trend can be partly explained by increased focus on animal welfare, higher demand for qualified staff in animal care, as well as inflation and general salary adjustments in the industry. Although the salary increases have been relatively steady, gender differences remain clear, with men earning slightly more on average than women. The market demand for veterinary assistants and the national shortage of trained personnel have likely contributed to rising wages during this period.

Veterinary assistant salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,300 SEK/month (female, private sector, pre-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 40,300 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education 3+ years)
  • Average salary men: 34 500 SEK/month
  • Average salary women: 33 300 SEK/month
  • Women earn: 97% of men's salary
  • Hourly wage (average): 201 SEK

Education and qualifications

Employers typically require a veterinary assistant to have completed a high school education with a focus on animals, often supplemented with vocational training or relevant courses in animal care. Formal requirements vary, but practical experience and good references are highly valued. Many employers also view certifications and specialized courses in veterinary medicine positively.

  • High school education: Natural sciences program with animal focus (3 years)
  • Vocational training: Animal care at level 2 or similar (1–2 years)
  • Internships: Workplace-based learning or internships at animal clinics
  • Courses/certificates: Specializations in veterinary care, first aid for animals
  • Prerequisites: Interest in animals and good physical condition

Veterinary assistants encounter a wide variety of animal species daily, from pets to farm animals. The diversity of tasks makes each day different, contributing to a stimulating and educational work environment for those who enjoy variety and hands-on work.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Many veterinary assistants are offered benefits such as wellness allowances, extra vacation days, paid further training, and discounts on animal products. Some workplaces also provide access to occupational health services and flexible working hours, facilitating work-life balance.

Challenges and competition

The profession of veterinary assistant is characterized by high demand and good job opportunities nationwide. However, there are challenges, including recruitment difficulties and a relatively high proportion of part-time employment. Competition for the most attractive positions can be tough, especially at larger animal hospitals and clinics in urban areas. Physically demanding tasks, working during inconvenient hours, and emotionally taxing situations are other challenges that may occur. For those who are dedicated and flexible, there are good prospects for establishing and developing within the profession.

Tips for aspiring veterinary assistants

To succeed as a veterinary assistant, it is helpful to combine a genuine interest in animals with the ability to collaborate and communicate clearly with colleagues and pet owners. Attention to detail and responsibility are important qualities, especially in medication handling and documentation. Being resilient under pressure and maintaining good physical endurance greatly facilitates the workday. It is recommended to seek internships early to build experience, participate in relevant courses, and stay updated on new methods in animal care. Engagement, flexibility, and a willingness to learn are highly valued by employers in the industry.

Key facts about veterinary assistants

  • Salary range: 31,300–40,300 SEK/month
  • Education level: High school or vocational training
  • Average salary: 33 400 SEK/month
  • Work environment: Animal clinics, animal hospitals, or veterinary practices
  • Demand: Great nationwide job opportunities

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years of experience, a veterinary assistant can develop into more specialized roles, such as a level 2 animal care worker, a supervisor within a clinic, or an instructor for new assistants. Some choose to further their education as veterinary nurses or veterinarians. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities within the veterinary nurse profession and related fields are strong, and demand is expected to remain stable over the next five years. According to recent statistics, there are approximately 375 job openings in the profession, indicating good future prospects for those wishing to work as veterinary assistants.

Frequently asked questions about veterinary assistants

  • What does a veterinary assistant earn?
    - A veterinary assistant has an average salary of 33 400 SEK per month, with a range between 31,300 and 40,300 SEK.
  • What education is required to become a veterinary assistant?
    - The most common is a high school education at the natural sciences program with an animal focus, sometimes supplemented with vocational training or courses in animal care.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 34 500 SEK and women 33 300 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
  • What is the job market like for veterinary assistants?
    - Job opportunities are plentiful nationwide, with approximately 375 job openings in the profession.
  • What tasks does a veterinary assistant perform?
    - Tasks include assisting with examinations and treatments, feeding animals, and handling administrative work.
  • What is the typical hourly wage for a veterinary assistant?
    - The average hourly wage is 201 SEK based on 166 working hours per month.
  • What career opportunities are available?
    - After a few years, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, specialize, or further train as a veterinary nurse or veterinarian.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 12:58:17

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Veterinary assistant is 40300 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed workers with a post-secondary education, 3 years or more. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 37100 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Veterinary assistant is 31300 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Privately employed workers. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 34100 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
18-24 27000 kr 28200 kr
25-34 30500 kr 31600 kr
35-44 34500 kr 35300 kr
45-54 35400 kr 36200 kr
55-64 35600 kr 36100 kr
Snitt 97% 32500 kr 33400 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Veterinary assistant has the SSYK code 3240, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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