The Comprehensive Guide to Salaries and Wages for Vet Techs/Nurses

by Kelsey Wirt, MS, LVT and Josh L. Clark, MS, RVT

Understanding the potential earnings in your chosen career is a critical aspect for future planning. If you're considering a career as a veterinary technician, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the salaries and wages you can expect.

The Basics of Vet Tech Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the median annual wage for vet techs was $43,740. This means that half of all vet techs earned more than this amount, while half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,180, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,310. Keep in mind that salaries can vary widely depending on several factors, including the level of experience, additional certifications, geographic location, and the type of veterinary facility.

Experience

As with most professions, experience often correlates with higher salaries in the vet tech field. Entry-level vet techs may start at a lower salary range, but with experience, they should expect to see their earnings rise based upon their performance and professional development.

Specialization

Specialized vet techs often earn more than vet techs working in a general practice. This is because specialization requires additional training and certification within a specific discipline and often involves more complex duties.

Read more about the vet tech specialties

Geographic Location

The region where you work can significantly influence your earnings as a vet tech. Cost of living, the local economy, and the demand for vet techs in the area all play a role in determining salaries. Vet techs working in urban areas or states with a high cost of living typically earn more than those in rural areas or states with a lower cost of living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2023, the state with the highest mean annual salary was District of Columbia at $56,420 and the state with the lowest mean annual salary was Louisiana at $31,810.

Facility Type

The type of facility you work in can also impact your salary. For example, vet techs working in veterinary emergency and/or referral hospitals, may earn more than those working in a traditional veterinary clinic due to the nature of the care provided. There are also unique settings like research, mobile vet clinics, zoo medicine, regulatory agencies, etc. that could influence the salary earned.

Furthering Your Education

An associate’s degree in veterinary technology qualifies you to be credentialed as a veterinary technician/nurse. However, obtaining a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology, or earning advanced certifications, can increase your earning potential. While the upfront cost and time commitment to earn another degree or certification can be significant, it can pay off in the long run with increased salary potential and career opportunities.

Negotiating Your Salary

When offered a position, it's important to consider the entire compensation package, not just the base salary. This could include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, continuing education allowances, and other benefits. Depending on the initial offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on your education, experience, skills, and valuable attributes that you bring to the position.

Understanding the factors that influence vet tech salaries can help you make informed career decisions and advocate for fair compensation. Remember, while salary is an important part of any job, it’s not the only aspect that matters when it comes to career satisfaction.