Veterinary Technician Salary

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January 27th, 2010

The salary in this field varies depending on geographic location. Typically vet techs are paid an hourly rate rather than an annual salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2006, vet techs earned on average $12.88 per hour. Common starting salaries would range between $12.50-$13.00 per hour. In larger metropolitan areas the salary may be much higher and in smaller areas it could be less. The top 10 percent of vet techs in 2006 earned over $18.68 per hour, according to the BLS. Specialty or referral practices typically pay better than general practices. Also, the fields of vet tech education or veterinary sales can be quite lucrative.

Learn more about veterinary technician certification.

Is this profession in high demand?

Vet techs are in extremely high demand and one reason there are not enough technicians is because there are more jobs available than graduates. Another major reason for the shortfall is that so many techs leave veterinary medicine because of the lack of respect they are shown and the limitations imposed on utilizing all of their skills. Across the nation there are about four to five jobs available for every vet tech graduate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of vet techs is expected to grow 41 percent from 2006 to 2016. This is largely due to pet owners becoming more educated and willing to pay for the services a veterinary office has to offer. Another reason for the increased need for skilled vet techs is that many veterinarians’ offices that previously employed unskilled or non-schooled vet techs now want to replace those employees with certified professionals. Even in an economic downturn, the job of a vet tech is very stable and has a low chance of lay-offs.

Learn more about veterinary technician programs.

Is there room for advancement in this field?

This is dependent on the place of employment. Veterinary technicians may begin their careers as kennel assistants, groomers, or technician assistants. Once they are credentialed, many technicians find employment where they are able to use their skills and knowledge to help their co-workers, patients and their owners. Some technicians are able to take on the more advanced positions of lead technician and hospital manager in the clinic setting. If employed in the laboratory animal field, sales, or research, more advancement opportunities to supervisor or upper management are usually available due to working for larger companies. They have established career ladders and many departments to transfer to and various levels of employment. The basic rule is true in veterinary medicine as with other fields, the larger the facility the more opportunities for advancement.

Another role that veterinary technicians may migrate to is Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. This is separate role within the clinic that deals with practice management and administration.