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Vet techs are in high demand and can command a good salary. But how much does a vet tech get paid? We break down the numbers so you can see what to expect.
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Introduction
Veterinary technicians are vital members of the animal health care team. They work closely with veterinarians to provide high-quality care for animals. Aspiring vet techs can pursue a variety of educational paths to enter the profession.
How Much Does a Vet Tech Get Paid?
Vet techs are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for vet techs will grow by 19% from 2018 to 2028.
National Salary Data
The average annual salary for a veterinary technician in the united states is $33,511, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. pay can vary greatly depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and the type of employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the lowest 10 percent of veterinary technicians earn less than $22,130 per year, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $48,350.
State Salary Data
State Salary Data
The table below contains salary information for vet techs in all fifty states, compiled from data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The states are listed in order of highest to lowest average salary, with the national average salary included for comparison.
Vet techs in Alaska earn the highest average salary in the nation, at $51,470 per year. New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Washington round out the top four highest-paying states for vet techs, with annual salaries ranging from $48,170 to $49,090. California, Oregon, and Colorado also offer above-average salaries for vet techs.
At the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi is the lowest-paying state for vet techs, with an average annual salary of just $27,660. Louisiana, Arkansas, West Virginia, and Alabama also rank among the bottom five states in terms of average vet tech salary
How Does Experience Affect Vet Tech Salary?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for vet techs was $32,350 as of May 2016. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $48,490, while the lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $21,760. Your pay as a vet tech will depend in part on your experience.
According to the 2018 AVMA Report on the Market for Veterinary Services, new veterinary technicians earn a median starting salary of $16 per hour. Those with one to five years’ experience earn a median wage of $19 per hour. After five to nine years, that median wage jumps to $22 per hour. And those with 10 or more years’ experience report a median wage of $24 per hour.
How Does Certification Affect Vet Tech Salary?
In order to become a certified veterinary technician, you must graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Certification is not required in all states, but it may be necessary to obtain certain types of positions, such as those in clinical research or teaching.
The average salary for a certified veterinary technician is $32,490 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of earners make more than $44,380 per year, and the bottom 10% make less than $24,540 per year. Factors that can affect vet tech salary include experience, location, and type of employer.
What Are the Job Prospects for Vet Techs?
As a vet tech, you can expect to earn a median annual salary of $33,400. Job prospects for vet techs are expected to be good, with a projected 20% growth in employment from 2019-2029.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average vet tech salary is $33,280 per year. The top 10% of vet techs make $45,960 per year, while the bottom 10% make $24,540 per year. Therefore, there is a significant amount of variation in vet tech salaries. The factors that affect how much a vet tech gets paid include experience, education, geographical location, and type of employer.
