How much does a vet technician make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical vet technician in the United States makes $47,380 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They help examine animals, take X-rays or samples, run lab tests, and give medicines prescribed by the veterinarian. They also prepare animals and tools for surgery, monitor anesthesia, and teach owners about care.
Did you know? Under a veterinarian’s supervision, a vet tech can give and monitor anesthesia during an operation—but cannot perform the surgery.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,710 and $63,180How do you become one?
In the United States, study biology in high school, then complete a two-year veterinary-technology associate degree. Pass a credentialing exam and meet your state’s rules for a license, registration, or certification.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, experience, licenses or added certificates, and special training can affect a vet tech’s pay. Pay also varies by location and workplace; research jobs often pay more, and clinics or specialty hospitals may pay differently.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($60,630), lowest in Louisiana ($35,530).
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Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,710 | $47,380 | $63,180 | about 129,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $60,630 | about 11,000 |
| Washington | $59,740 | about 2,000 |
| New York | $59,010 | about 5,000 |
| Minnesota | $57,270 | about 4,000 |
| Oregon | $55,810 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
- www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/veterinary-technicians-and-veterinary-
- vet.purdue.edu/vettech/articles/the-comprehensive-guide-to-salaries-and-wages-fo
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2056.00
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY