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How much does a vet tech make? Find out the average salary for a vet tech and see what factors can affect how much a vet tech can earn.
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Introduction
The median annual wage for vet techs was $32,350 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,490.
The median pay for a vet tech
The median pay for a vet tech is about $33,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $48,000, while the bottom 10 percent make less than $21,000.
The top paying industries for a vet tech
The top paying industries for a vet tech are scientific research and development, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, and hospitals. Other high-paying industries include colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private hospitals; and outpatient care centers.
The top paying states for a vet tech
The top five paying states for veterinary technicians are as follows: California, Alaska, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Massachusetts. In these states, the average salary for a vet tech is $20 to $25 per hour.
The job outlook for a vet tech
The job outlook for a vet tech is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of veterinary technicians and technologists will grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. A severe shortage of veterinarians nationwide is expected to spur demand for vet techs
The skills needed to be a successful vet tech
In order to be a successful vet tech, you will need to have excellent communication skills. You will be working closely with both clients and staff, and you will need to be able to clearly articulate instructions. You should also be detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure. As a vet tech, you will be responsible for a wide range of tasks, so it is important that you are able to multitask and stay organized. Finally, it is essential that you have a genuine love for animals.
The education needed to become a vet tech
In order to become a vet tech, one must complete a two-year veterinary technology program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs can be found at many community colleges and technical schools across the country. Upon completion of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Once the VTNE is passed, vet techs can apply for state licensure.
