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A vet tech’s salary varies depending on experience, geographical location, and type of employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for vet techs was $32,350 in May 2019.
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Introduction
A veterinarian technologist or technician is a professional who provides direct medical care to animals. They work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and perform tasks such as animal vaccinations, animal dental care, and animal X-rays.
The median annual salary for vet techs was $32,670 in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that half of all vet techs earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lowest-paid 10 percent of vet techs earned less than $20,560, and the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $48,490.
What Does a vet tech Do?
Vet techs are vital members of any veterinary team. They work alongside veterinarians and other medical professionals to provide animal care and treatment. The specific duties of a vet tech may vary depending on the type of practice they work in, but they generally include taking and processing X-rays, preparing animals and supplies for surgery, collecting lab samples, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, providing post-operative care, and educating animal owners on proper pet care.
Vet techs must have excellent communication skills and be able to empathize with animal owners who are worried about their pet’s health. They must also be able to handle the stress of working with sick and injured animals on a daily basis. In addition to these soft skills, vet techs must also have a solid understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as the ability to follow complex instructions.
The educational requirements for becoming a vet tech vary by state, but most programs take two to four years to complete and result in an associate’s degree or professional certificate. After completing their education, vet techs must pass a national exam administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) before they can become licensed or registered in their state.
How Much Does a Vet Tech Make?
A recent survey showed that the median salary for a vet tech is $33,280 per year. This means that half of all vet techs make more than this amount and half make less. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $23,490 per year, and the highest 10% make more than $46,610 per year.
National Average Salary
As of May 2019, the national average salary for a vet tech was $33,610 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,650.
Salary by State
The following states have the highest average salary for vet techs:
– Alaska: $51,610 per year
– California: $48,430 per year
– Colorado: $47,860 per year
– Connecticut: $46,560 per year
– Delaware: $44,140 per year
The following states have the lowest average salary for vet techs:
– Alabama: $26,070 per year
– Arkansas: $28,520 per year
– Idaho: $29,790 per year
– Iowa: $30,270 per year
– Kansas: $31,160 per year
Salary by City
According to Indeed, the average salary for a veterinary technician is $16.54 per hour. However, salaries for vet techs can vary widely depending on their experience, qualifications, and location.
For example, experienced vet techs in new york city earn an average of $22.39 per hour, while those in Houston earn $14.87 per hour on average. Qualifications can also affect earnings potential, with certified vet techs typically earning more than those who are not certified.
So, if you’re interested in becoming a veterinary technician, it’s important to research salaries in your area to get an idea of what you can expect to earn.
How to Become a Vet Tech
Becoming a veterinary technician generally requires completing a 2-year Associate’s degree in veterinary technology, although some jobs may only require completing a 1-year certificate program. Alternatively, some states allow individuals to become registered veterinary technicians by completing on-the-job training and passing a state examination. Some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have completed formal education programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vet techs can make a pretty decent salary. It all depends on their location and experience. The more experience a vet tech has, the more money they can make.
