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In this blog post, we’ll be discussing how much vet techs make a year on average. We’ll also touch on some of the factors that can affect a vet tech’s salary.
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Introduction
Becoming a vet tech is a great way to enter the veterinary field without going to veterinary school. vet techs play an important role in animal health care, and their duties can include everything from providing nursing care to performing lab tests. If you’re thinking of becoming a vet tech you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn.
In general, vet techs make a good living. The median annual salary for vet techs in the united states was $32,490 in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That means that half of all vet techs earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The top 10% of earners made $46,080 or more per year, while the bottom 10% made $23,490 or less.
What is a Vet Tech?
A veterinary technician is a professional who provides direct patient care and supports the work of veterinarians. These men and women are an indispensable part of the veterinary healthcare team. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:
-Taking and recording patient histories
-Performing diagnostic tests
-Collecting samples for laboratory analysis
-Assisting in surgery
-Providing nursing care
-Educating clients on animal health and husbandry
Becoming a veterinary technician requires completing a two-year accredited program, passing a credentialing exam, and obtaining a state license (in some states). The majority of veterinary technicians work in private clinical practices, but there are many other employment opportunities available, such as research, teaching, public health, corporate animal husbandry, government, and non-profit organizations.
How Much Do Vet Techs Make?
A veterinary technician is a career that offers growth potential and the opportunity to help animals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average yearly salary for a veterinary technician was $33,400 in 2018, with the top 10 percent earning more than $47,000.
With experience, some veterinary technicians move into supervisory or managerial positions, or they may open their own practices. The BLS reports that the median salary for veterinary technicians was $35,760 in 2018. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $50,000 a year.
Factors That Affect a Vet Tech’s Salary
There are many factors that affect how much a vet tech makes in a year. The type of employer, the location of the job, the vet tech’s experience, and the size of the practice all play a role in determining salary.
The type of employer is one of the biggest factors affecting vet tech salary. Vet techs employed by humane societies and animal shelters make an average of $29,140 per year, while those working in private veterinary practices make an average of $33,280 per year. Those working in colleges, universities, and professional schools make an average of $35,760 per year, while those working in government agencies make an average of $38,160 per year.
The location of the job is also a important factor in salary. Vet techs employed in urban areas tend to make more than those working in rural areas. For example, vet techs employed in new york city make an average of $43,560 per year, while those working in rural areas of upstate New York make an average of $28,920 per year.
The vet tech’s experience is another important factor in salary. Entry-level vet techs make an average of $28,880 per year while those with more than five years experience make an average of $36,400 per year.
Finally, the size of the practice also plays a role in how much vet techs make. Vet techs employed by small animal practices make an average of $32,040 per year while those employed by large animal practices make an average only $27,880 per year.
The Future of Vet Techs
The median salary for a vet tech is $32,000 a year. The top 10% of earners make more than $45,000 a year, while the bottom 10% make less than $23,000 a year. Salaries vary by experience, education, and location.
Job outlook for vet techs is good. Employment of vet techs is expected to grow 19% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growing number of pet owners will require more veterinary services, and vet techs will be needed to assist veterinarians in providing these services.
