What’s the average veterinary technician salary?

Considering a career change? Or perhaps gearing up to leave school and considering your options for employment or for future study? Pursuing a career as a vet tech is often a great choice for conscientious people who have a keen sense of biology and a passion for helping animals (and their human owners). The field can be challenging, rewarding, and fulfilling. It’s a great fit for those who love a varied role. As you’ll soon see, there is a lot that goes on in the vet tech world. All of this sounds great, but there’s one more question left to answer: What does a vet tech’s salary look like? In this article, we’ll show you exactly how much vet techs earn in each state and answer some of the burning questions you have about diving into this career path.

What is a vet tech?

Consider vet techs as nurses for animals. In the human health care world, nurses and doctors work together to improve patient health and complete medical procedures. In the animal health sphere, it’s vet techs and veterinarians. Vet techs do far more than just assist vets, however (that’s the role of the veterinary assistant). On top of their nursing duties, the typical vet tech job description includes:

• Phlebotomy (drawing blood)
• Radiology (X-rays)
• Acting as a patient advocate and providing animal care advice
• Surgical assistance
• Administering anesthesia and medication

Vet tech job outlook

Veterinary techs are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an industry growth rate of 15% over the next ten years, which is over twice the average. Veterinary technician jobs offer a median pay that is slightly above the national median, along with the opportunity to grow your experience and salary by undertaking specialized study further into your career.

How much does a vet tech make in a year?

The national average salary for veterinary technologists in the U.S. is $37,860, with the highest salary for this role being more than $50,000. The median salary (middle) is very similar at $36,260, which means there is a relatively even distribution of earners on either side. Bear in mind that your annual salary will be affected by factors such as relevant education, years of experience, and the cost of living in your state. With this in mind, let’s review the average base salary or hourly wage offered in each state. State Hourly median wage Annual median wage Alabama $14.15 $29,440 Alaska $21.09 $43,880 Arizona $17.39 $36,180 Arkansas $14.93 $31,050 California $22.29 $46,370 Colorado $18.07 $37,590 Connecticut $20.66 $42,980 Delaware $15.90 $33,070 District of Columbia $21.99 $45,740 Florida $16.63 $34,590 Georgia $16.28 $33,850 Hawaii $17.97 $37,370 Idaho $15.63 $32,520 Illinois $17.88 $37,200 Indiana $16.59 $34,510 Iowa $16.13 $33,550 Kansas $16.45 $34,210 Kentucky $14.83 $30,840 Louisiana $12.83 $26,680 Maine $17.60 $36,610 Maryland $17.52 $36,440 Massachusetts $21.44 $44,590 Michigan $17.43 $36,260 Minnesota $17.97 $37,370 Mississippi $15.81 $32,890 Missouri $14.78 $30,730 Montana $15.49 $32,210 Nebraska $17.68 $36,780 Nevada $23.25 $48,360 New Hampshire $18.20 $37,850 New Jersey $18.86 $39,230 New Mexico $16.98 $35,320 New York $20.54 $42,730 North Carolina $17.05 $35,470 North Dakota $16.56 $34,450 Ohio $17.14 $35,650 Oklahoma $15.41 $32,060 Oregon $17.75 $36,930 Pennsylvania $16.88 $35,110 Puerto Rico $9.31 $19,370 Rhode Island $18.38 $38,230 South Carolina $16.28 $33,850 South Dakota $16.98 $35,320 Tennessee $13.35 $27,760 Texas $15.08 $31,360 Utah $14.90 $30,990 Vermont $16.87 $35,090 Virginia $21.51 $44,740 Washington $19.78 $41,150 West Virginia $14.99 $31,170 Wisconsin $17.09 $35,550 Wyoming $15.56 $32,370 (Data source: BLS)

How do you become a vet tech?

If you want to become a vet tech, follow these five steps:

1. Obtain a high school diploma
2. Attend an AVMA-approved degree program in animal science or veterinary technology (two to four years of study)
3. Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination
4. Submit your application for state credentialing (requirements vary by state)
5. Land your first job as a vet tech at a lab, boarding kennel, animal shelter, zoo, or emergency animal care practice

Frequently asked questions

Now that you know more about how much a vet tech makes, let’s answer three commonly asked questions.

1. Do you need a degree to be a vet tech?

Yes. To get a job as a vet tech in an animal hospital or veterinary practice, you’ll need to have passed a course approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). At a minimum, this is a two-year associate degree, though many vet techs go on to complete a bachelor's degree.

2. How much do vet techs make an hour?

The median hourly rate for vet techs is $17.43, with entry-level employees making around $12.27 and more experienced techs earning as much as $25.20 an hour.

3. Who gets paid more, a vet tech or vet assistant?

The vet tech title typically pays more. The salary range for vet assistants is $21,570–$41,080, with a median salary of $29,930. Vet techs, being credentialed, earn more than this. The median vet tech salary is $36,260, with a reported range of $25,520–$52,410.

Ready to become a vet tech?

Not only are there plenty of opportunities in this industry, but pursuing a career as a vet tech can be extremely rewarding. It’s certainly a role that will provide plenty of challenges and opportunities to grow. So, are you up for it? Check out the Jobcase job board to browse for available vet tech roles.