How much do vet techs make? The answer may surprise you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for veterinary technicians was $33,280 in May 2019.
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Introduction
Vet techs are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in the field by 2024. Salaries for vet techs vary depending on experience, location, and type of employer. The following information is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and payscale.com.
As of May 2016, the median annual salary for vet techs was $32,350. The lowest 10% earned less than $21,410, and the highest 10% earned more than $46,590.
Vet techs working in scientific research and development earn the highest salaries, at an average of $41,890 per year. Those working in management of companies and enterprises earn an average of $38,590 per year.
What Does a vet tech Do?
Vet techs are animal healthcare professionals who provide medical care for sick and injured animals. They work closely with veterinarians to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
Vet techs have a wide range of responsibilities, including taking x-rays, administering vaccinations, drawing blood, preparing animals for surgery, and providing post-operative care. They also educate pet owners on how to care for their animals and maintain their health.
In order to become a vet tech, one must complete a two-year accredited veterinary technology program. Upon graduation, vet techs must pass a state-administered exam in order to become licensed. Once licensed, vet techs can find employment in a variety of settings, including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research laboratories, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for vet techs is $33,400. The top 10% of earners make more than $48,500 per year while the bottom 10% make less than $23,610. Vet techs working in the United States earn a median hourly wage of $16.07.
How Much Does a Vet Tech Make?
The average vet tech salary in the United States is $33,280 per year or $16.03 per hour. entry-level vet techs make around $23,000 per year, and experienced vet techs make around $45,000 per year. The top 10% of vet techs make over $57,000 per year.
The Bottom Line
The median annual wage for veterinary technicians and technologists was $33,610 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 $22,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $50,120.
