Veterinary Assistant salary in New Zealand

Average Yearly Salary of Veterinary Assistant in New Zealand is approximately 51,460 NZD (25,602 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Veterinary Assistant do?

A veterinarian technician, also known as a vet tech, is a skilled professional who assists veterinarians in providing medical care to animals. They play a crucial role in animal healthcare by performing various tasks, including conducting initial assessments, taking and analyzing lab samples, administering medications, assisting in surgeries, and providing post-operative care. Vet techs also educate pet owners on proper animal care, maintain accurate medical records, and ensure the cleanliness and organization of the veterinary clinic. The occupation of a veterinarian technician requires a deep understanding of animal behavior, anatomy, and physiology. It demands compassion, patience, and excellent communication skills to effectively interact with both animals and their owners. The job often involves working with a variety of animals, from small domestic pets to large farm animals or exotic species. Vet techs can find employment in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and other animal-related organizations.

Skills: veterinarian technician, vet tech, animal healthcare, medical care, animal behavior, surgical assistance
Job industry: Veterinary services

How much does Veterinary Assistant make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Veterinary Assistant a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Veterinary Assistant is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Veterinary Assistant might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Veterinary Assistant?

High salary for Veterinary Assistant would be somewhere between 56,606 NZD and 74,617 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Veterinary Assistant in New Zealand?

Living in New Zealand the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,938 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 51,460 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 4,288 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 990 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 25 NZD per hour
By working as Veterinary Assistant a person can save up to 195 USD per month or 2,341 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Veterinary Assistant

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

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Data as of 2025

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