According to multiple sources, veterinary technicians have been in high demand in the United States since the late 2000s. This pattern anticipates persisting until 2022. Vet technicians were formerly prominent in poultry and cattle enterprises, but now that almost everyone has a pet, they are much more in demand. It is one of the main reasons why so many individuals desire to attend reputable vet tech programs.
Vet technicians, or animal nurses, are critical to caring for the seemingly infinite number of animals in need. Vet techs keep the animal medicine world running smoothly and seamlessly by assisting veterinarians with essential tasks such as patient intake, caretaker education, diagnostic imaging, surgery prep and assistance, anesthesia administration, sample collection, dental care, clinic management, and more. With just two years of training necessary to practice, vet technicians may soon begin to tap into the predicted professional development for the field.
While it is inevitable that more vet technologists will require in the United States, how much can vet techs expect to earn? The answer varies based on area, experience, industry, role, and others. Continue reading to know how much does a vet tech make, also for a detailed overview of vet tech yearly and hourly salaries in the United States.
How much does a vet tech make?
Salary Information for Veterinary Technicians
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for veterinary technicians expects to expand faster than the national average. Over the next 10 years, the need for veterinary technicians predicts to grow by 19%.
As a result, qualified technicians are in great demand, making now a perfect time to start training. As a result of the increasing demand, it is possible to earn a competitive salary. Remember that the national average wage for veterinary technicians in 2018 was $34,420 per year. Depending on your experience, region, and education, the best-paid vet technicians in 2018 made up $50,010 per year.
So, how do you get better tips for paying vet tech jobs? It all boils down to your industry and your geographical location.
Which Industry Pays the Highest for Veterinary Technicians?
Many people associate vet techs with their local veterinarian’s office, although technicians work in various settings, from advocacy groups to zoos. The salary of a vet tech determines the sector in which they work.
With an annual average compensation of $53,780, the federal government’s executive branch is the highest-paying business for vet technologists. The executive branch includes departments such as the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce, which may hire veterinarians to work in animal inspection, fisheries, or other intriguing areas.
Museums and historical places are two more high-paying businesses for vet technologists. While it may not seem the first place you’d go for a veterinary technician, many museums and historical sites contain wildlife or service animals that need care. In 2018, the annual average compensation for vet technicians in these businesses was $46,100.
Colleges. Trained veterinary technicians may find working at colleges of various sizes, including junior colleges, universities, and professional institutions. At a mean yearly income of $40,480. These vet technologists find working with animals used in research, and the average annual income for these occupations in 2018 was $42,460—social advocacy groups.
Shelters, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, and other social advocacy groups are examples. These veterinary technicians may care for damaged animals throughout the rehabilitation process or while they are at a shelter. Vet technologists in these professions earn an average yearly salary of $35,440.
Which States Have the Highest Veterinary Technician Salaries?
Aside from the sector you choose to work in as a vet tech, your geographic location might also impact your compensation. Here’s where vet technicians make the most money.
- Nevada: This state has the highest average annual salary, $46,370 in 2018.
- Connecticut: In 2018, veterinary technicians in this state earned an average of $43,340.
- New York paid vet technicians an average of $43,190 per year in 2018.
- California: In 2018, the average annual income for tech in this west coast state was $41,920.
Which Cities Have the Highest Veterinary Technician Salaries?
Just as certain states have more excellent average annual compensation for veterinary technicians, some cities have higher average yearly pay for vet techs. Among these cities is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 2018, vet technicians in this central Pennsylvania metropolitan region earned an average of $53,690.
- Hartford, Connecticut in 2018, vet technicians in Hartford, Connecticut, made an average of $49,770 per year.
- Santa Cruz, California Veterinarian technicians in this west coast city, might make up to $49,450 per year in 2018.
- In Las Vegas, Nevada in 2018, practicing veterinary technicians earned an average annual income of $47,460.
Conclusion
As an animal lover, you wish to earn a living by assisting pets and their owners. Becoming a veterinary technician seems to be the ideal career path. As a vet tech, you’ll work alongside veterinarians to treat ill or wounded animals. You’ll often be in charge of collecting samples, administering medical tests, and setting up exam rooms.
Those responsibilities will differ depending on the veterinary office or animal clinic where you work. While those activities seem like your ideal career, as much as you like making a difference, money is also essential. In 2018, the typical annual salary for a practicing vet tech was $34,420. However, future entry-level income might vary based on the state you reside in, your qualifications, and your particular job. Here are some crucial elements influencing vet tech pay and responsibility.
Above all, realize that your income is not the only thing that counts in whatever job you have. The most excellent part of being granted the opportunity to perform your position is that you are paid to do something you like and are passionate about. As a veterinary technician, you assist many individuals – pet owners/parents/families – who place their trust in you. You and the veterinarian are the only ones who can make them happy and save their dogs’ lives. That alone is sufficient payment for your efforts.