Choosing a career as a veterinary technician can be both rewarding and practical. Many people who love animals ask an important question before starting this path: how much do vet techs make?
In this detailed guide, our team of informational experts explains everything you need to know about veterinary technician salary, average wage for vet techs, job growth, education, and what affects pay—all in clear, simple English.
What Is a Veterinary Technician?
A veterinary technician, often called a vet tech, is a trained animal healthcare worker. Vet techs help veterinarians with medical exams, lab tests, surgeries, X-rays, and daily care for animals.
They work in:
- Animal clinics
- Veterinary hospitals
- Zoos
- Animal shelters
- Research labs
- Farms
Vet techs are the backbone of animal healthcare.
How Much Do Vet Techs Make on Average?
So, how much do vet techs make each year?
Across the United States, the average wage for a vet tech is around $39,000 to $43,000 per year.
This equals about $18 to $21 per hour.
Some earn less.
Many earn much more.
Pay depends on:
- Location
- Experience
- Education
- Workplace type
- Special skills
Veterinary Technician Salary by Experience Level
Entry-Level Vet Tech Salary
New vet techs usually earn:
- $28,000 to $33,000 per year
- $13 to $16 per hour
At this stage, you are learning daily and building skills.
Mid-Level Vet Tech Salary
With 3–5 years of experience:
- $35,000 to $45,000 per year
- $17 to $22 per hour
You become faster, more confident, and more valuable to clinics.
Experienced Vet Tech Salary
With 10+ years of experience:
- $45,000 to $55,000+ per year
- $22 to $28+ per hour
Senior techs often train others and manage clinical work.
Veterinary Technician Salary by State
Where you live greatly affects your income.
Highest-Paying States for Vet Techs
These states pay the most:
- California
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Washington
- Connecticut
In these areas, veterinary technician salary often reaches:
- $50,000 to $60,000+ per year
Lowest-Paying States
Some rural states offer lower wages:
- $28,000 to $34,000 per year
However, the cost of living is also lower in these regions.
Vet Tech Salary by Work Setting
Different workplaces pay different amounts.
| Workplace | Average Annual Pay |
| Private Clinics | $35,000–$45,000 |
| Animal Hospitals | $38,000–$50,000 |
| Emergency Clinics | $45,000–$60,000 |
| Zoos & Wildlife Centers | $40,000–$55,000 |
| Research Facilities | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| Government Jobs | $42,000–$58,000 |
Emergency clinics and research labs often offer the highest average wage for vet techs.
Specialty Vet Tech Salaries
Vet techs with special training earn more.
Common High-Paying Specialties
- Anesthesia Technician
- Surgical Technician
- Emergency & Critical Care
- Dental Technician
- Internal Medicine Technician
These specialists can earn:
- $50,000 to $70,000+ per year
Education and Certification Impact on Pay
Education matters greatly.
Associate Degree vs. Bachelor’s Degree
Most vet techs have an associate degree.
Some earn a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s degree holders often earn:
- $3,000 to $7,000 more per year
Certification and Licensing
Becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) raises pay and job options.
Certified techs earn:
- 10% to 20% more income
Benefits and Bonuses
In addition to base salary, vet techs often receive:
- Health insurance
- Paid vacation
- Sick leave
- Retirement plans
- Pet care discounts
- Continuing education funding
These benefits increase total compensation significantly.
Job Outlook for Veterinary Technicians
The future is bright for vet techs.
Job growth is expected at 19% or higher over the next decade.
This is much faster than average for all careers.
More pets.
More clinics.
More demand.
This strong job growth helps raise veterinary technician salaries over time.
Is Being a Vet Tech Worth It?
Financially and emotionally, many say yes.
Pros
- Strong job demand
- Stable income
- Work with animals daily
- Career growth options
- Emotional fulfillment
Cons
- Physically demanding
- Emotional stress at times
- Starting pay may be modest
Overall, most vet techs find the career meaningful and secure.
How to Increase Your Vet Tech Salary
Here are proven ways to raise your income:
- Earn advanced certifications
- Gain specialty training
- Work in emergency or specialty clinics
- Move to higher-paying states
- Continue education
- Build leadership skills
Each step boosts your earning power.
Career Path Growth Options
Many vet techs move into:
- Veterinary practice management
- Teaching positions
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Animal research roles
- Specialty hospital leadership
These roles can pay $60,000 to $80,000+ per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do vet techs make per hour?
The average wage for a vet tech ranges from $18 to $22 per hour.
Experienced techs can earn $25 to $30+ per hour.
Can vet techs make over $60,000 a year?
Yes.
With experience, specialization, and the right location, many earn $60,000+ per year.
Is vet tech school hard?
It is challenging but manageable.
Most programs take 2–4 years.
Final Thoughts
If you love animals and want a stable healthcare career, becoming a veterinary technician is a smart choice. Now you know exactly how much vet techs make, what affects veterinary technician salary, and how to grow your income over time.
With strong job growth, increasing pay, and many career options, the future for vet techs is very promising.