Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker salary in District of Columbia
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker in District of Columbia earns a median of $49,080 a year ($23.60/hour equivalent), 28.7% above the national median of $38,150. District of Columbia ranks #2 of 51 states. About 240 people do this job in District of Columbia.
Take-home pay in District of Columbia
At the District of Columbia median, a single filer keeps about $39,771 a year after federal, FICA and District of Columbia taxes — $1,530 every two weeks. Try your own numbers with the District of Columbia paycheck calculator.
- Gross pay
- $1,887.69
- Federal income tax
- −$142.68
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$117.04
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$27.37
- District of Columbia income tax
- −$70.95
- Take-home pay
- $1,529.65
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $49,080
- Federal
- $3,710
- FICA
- $3,755
- State + local
- $1,845
- Net
- $39,771
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 6.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
How District of Columbia compares
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rhode Island | $49,770 |
| #2 | District of Columbia | $49,080 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $46,670 |
| #4 | California | $46,260 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $46,160 |
| #49 | West Virginia | $32,350 |
| #50 | Louisiana | $30,480 |
| #51 | Mississippi | $30,360 |
See the national veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker salary page for the full pay range and all states.
BLS occupation: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (SOC 31-9096), May 2025, state estimates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker make in District of Columbia?
The median salary is $49,080 a year and the average is $55,760 (BLS May 2025).
Is District of Columbia a good state for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers?
District of Columbia ranks #2 of 51 states for median pay in this job, 29% above the national median of $38,150.
What is $49,080 after taxes in District of Columbia?
About $39,771 a year ($1,530 every two weeks) for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.