The choice of a career in animal care is rewarding in a variety of ways, including emotionally as well as professionally. But, prior to committing to any field of work it’s important to consider the potential earnings. The most commonly asked questions from aspiring vet techs concerns: how much do vet techs earn?
This comprehensive wage guide 2025 is designed to address the question in full. The guide will provide the average salaries for veterinary technicians across the United States, hourly pay rates, differences in income between states and how the pay of vet techs is compared to other animal-related jobs, as well as the aspects that affect veterinary technician salary. We’ll also examine the current and future prospects for career growth for veterinary technicians.
What Is a Veterinary Technician?
A vet technician -often referred to as vet tech vet technician is a professional with a license who assists veterinarians with the delivery of medical services for animals. They are responsible for performing surgical, clinical lab, administrative, and laboratory tasks to support the veterinary practice.
Their primary responsibilities are:
- The preparation of animals for surgeries and exams
- Analyzing laboratory samples and collecting them
- Injecting vaccines and medications
- The monitoring of the effects of anesthesia in surgical procedure
- Assisting in dental cleanings as well as extractions
- Making radiographic images (X-rays)
- Assisting with post-operative animal care as well as educational sessions for clients
The vet techs serve as the equivalent to nurses in human medicine. They work behind the scenes to make sure the pet’s as well as the animal’s owner’s health and well-being.
How Much Do Vet Techs Make in 2025?
The most important question is what is the average amount vet techs earn within the United States?
Based on the most up-to-date salary figures of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other national job sites such as Indeed or ZipRecruiter. annual average wage for veterinarian technicians in 2025 will be $42,000. This is equivalent to the average hourly rate of about $20.25.
But, the number can differ significantly based on variables such as location, time of experience, certificates, and the type of facility.
Average Vet Tech Salary by Experience Level
Similar to other healthcare jobs experiences play a significant factor in determining the vet tech’s salary.
| Experience Level | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $16.50 | $34,500 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | $20.50 | $42,000 |
| Experiential (5plus years) | $25.00+ | $52,000+ |
The majority of veterinary technicians enjoy steady increases in their salaries after several years of experience. This is especially true when they are pursuing specializations.
Highest Paying States for Veterinary Technicians in 2025
The location is among the biggest factors that affect the amount of money vet techs earn. States that have higher costs of living and higher demand for veterinary services are more likely to pay higher wages.
Top 10 States Paying the Highest Vet Tech Salaries
| State | Average Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| California | $58,500 |
| New York | $55,000 |
| Connecticut | $53,750 |
| Oregon | $52,400 |
| Washington | $51,800 |
| Massachusetts | $51,200 |
| Alaska | $50,750 |
| Maryland | $49,500 |
| Colorado | $48,700 |
| Hawaii | $47,900 |
Veterinarians working in these states usually get competitive pay along with comprehensive benefits and more job opportunities.
How Vet Tech Salaries Compare to Other Animal Healthcare Jobs
It’s crucial to know the way that vet tech salaries compare with similar professions in animal care. Below is a chart that compares the salaries of various animal healthcare jobs to 2025.
| Position | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | $42,000 |
| Veterinary Assistant | $32,000 |
| Veterinary Technologist | $53,000 |
| Animal Control Officer | $47,000 |
| Animal Shelter Attendant | $29,000 |
Veterinarians typically earn more than vet aids or animal shelter staff, but not as much as veterinary technologist who typically hold bachelor’s degrees.
Factors That Influence How Much Vet Techs Make
A variety of factors affect the potential salary of a veterinarian technician. They include:
- Geographic Place: Vet techs in cities, in high demand, or coastal areas typically make more money due to the rising living costs and the market demand.
- Year of Experiential Experience Increases in pay are dependent on the length of training. The majority of vet techs see an increase in salary in the initial five years.
- Certifications and Specializations Earning the Veterinarian Technician Specialist (VTS) certification in areas such as anesthesia dentistry, or emergency medical care could significantly increase the amount of money you earn.
- Facilities of the Type: Vet techs working in animal hospitals, special clinics, emergency centers, as well as research institutions generally earn higher wages than those working in smaller general practices.
- Shift Differentials Weekend, evening and night shifts particularly those in urgent clinics typically are paid higher hourly rates.
- Full-Time in contrast to. Part-Time Jobs: Full-time vet techs earn more annually and generally receive benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off retirement plans, and ongoing education assistance.
How to Increase Your Vet Tech Salary
If you are already employed as a veterinarian technician There are a variety of methods to boost their earnings:
- Specialization: Pursuing VTS certification in areas such as behavior, anesthesia or internal medicine may result in salary increases by $3000-$10,000 per annum..
- Get more experience: Pay raises are regular and are granted after 3 to five years of work.
- Work in Specialties with high-demand: Emergency, critical care and specialty clinics generally have higher salaries.
- Take into consideration relocation: Moving to a state that pays higher salaries can lead to a significant increase in income.
- Negotiate benefits and overtime: Shift differentials, overtime, bonuses and CE bonus stipends boost the total compensation package.
Career Outlook for Veterinary Technicians in the USA
The field of veterinary technician is expanding quickly. Based on the BLS the employment of vet techs is predicted to rise by 20 percent between 2024 to 2030 which is far more than the average national rate for all professions.
The main reasons behind this expected expansion include:
- There are more and more households with pets
- An increasing demand for high-end medical services for veterinary medicine
- The availability of more animal health insurance
- Technology-driven advancements in the field of veterinary treatment and diagnostics
With a bright outlook for employment the field of veterinary technology is still among the best-secure and rewarding professions in the field of animal health.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Much Do Vet Techs Make?
Q. What is the salary starting point for a technician in veterinary medicine?
Vet techs who are entry-level typically begin at $34,500 annually equivalent to $16.50 per hour..
Q. Which states offer vet techs the most?
California, New York, Connecticut, and Oregon have the highest annual average salaries which range between $52,400 to $58,500..
Q. What is the average salary a veterinary technician certified make?
VTS certified specialists (VTS) could earn from between $50,000 and $75,000 per year based on their area of specialization and the region.
Q. Can a vet tech earn six figures?
Though rare, highly experienced vet techs who are board-certified and working in special hospitals, research or teaching positions in metro areas can reach $75,000-$100,000.00 per year..
Q. What number of years of schooling do you need to be Vet Tech?
Being a licensed vet tech generally requires the completion of a 2 year associate’s diploma from a vet tech program. This is and then taking the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
Q. What are the benefits full-time veterinarian technicians enjoy?
A majority of full-time vet techs get dental, medical and vision insurance. paid time off retirement plans, pet-care discounts along with continuing education reimbursements.
Conclusion
Knowing the amount vet techs earn is vital to anyone thinking about the field of veterinary health. The average salary for veterinary technicians in 2025 will be $42,000 per year and will be higher with more lucrative potential in specific areas, emergency clinics as well as certain states with high pay such as California or New York.
This job offers not only stability in income and job security, but also emotional benefits of working with animals directly. As demand for qualified veterinarian technicians increases the opportunities for higher pay as well as benefits and progression in career will also grow.
If you’re a lover of animal health and are looking for an effective, highly-demanded healthcare job, becoming a veterinarian technician is one of the top options in 2025.