How Much Does a Veterinary Technician Make? (2025)
Whether pursuing a career as a veterinary technician or hiring one, understanding vet tech salary trends and job duties helps with informed decisions.
As of August 1, 2025, veterinary technicians in the U.S. earn an average annual salary of $47,257, or about $23 per hour. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), veterinary technologists and technicians have a projected job growth of 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average.
Continue reading to learn what veterinary technicians do, how vet tech salaries vary, and which factors influence pay.
What Does a Veterinary Technician Do?
A veterinary technician, often called a vet tech, assists veterinarians in providing animal care in private clinics, hospitals, and research facilities. Their job duties include performing diagnostic tests, administering medication, monitoring anesthesia, and providing nursing care to injured animals, such as dogs, cats, and other pets or laboratory animal caretakers.
Vet techs collect case histories, monitor patients' vital signs, and educate pet owners on care and medication. They also support public health by ensuring proper treatment protocols. The role can be emotionally demanding due to working with sick or injured animals but is rewarding for those passionate about veterinary medicine.
The position typically requires a 2-year associate's degree in veterinary technology, passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), and, in most states, becoming a licensed veterinarian technician through certification or registration.
What is a Veterinary Technician Salary Overview?
As of August 1, 2025, the average veterinary technician salary in the United States is $47,257 per year, or $23 per hour, based on Salary.com data.
Vet tech salaries range from $40,704 to $58,425 annually, with most veterinary technicians earning between $43,827 and $53,103. The average vet tech salary per month is $3,938.
Veterinary technicians typically earn an average hourly wage of $23, with hourly rates ranging from $20 to $28. Their average weekly pay is $909, usually falling between $783 and $1,124.
2025 Veterinary Technician Average Salary: $47,257 per year ($23 per hour)
The core median salary for veterinary technicians, including bonuses, is $43,505 per year. This varies by percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31,292 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,112 |
| 50th Percentile | $43,505 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $55,989 |
The average total salary for vet techs is $63,029, including benefits such as healthcare ($6,056), time off ($5,354), and Social Security ($3,328), which make up 25% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | |
|---|---|
| Median | % of Total |
| Base Salary | $47,257 |
| Bonus | $-3,752 |
| Social Security | $3,328 |
| 401K/403B | $2,045 |
| Disability | $348 |
| Healthcare | $6,056 |
| Pension | $2,393 |
| Time Off | $5,354 |
| Total Compensation | $63,029 |
What Can Affect Veterinary Technician Salaries?
Vet tech salaries vary based on experience, geographic location, and skills. Here's a closer look at each factor:
By Experience Level
Salary.com reports show that veterinary technicians with less than one year of experience earn an average of $45,875 annually. Those with eight or more years of experience typically earn around $50,311 per year, reflecting the value of additional training and specialization.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Veterinary Technician | $45,875 |
| Intermediate Level Veterinary Technician | $46,131 |
| Senior Level Veterinary Technician | $46,899 |
| Specialist Level Veterinary Technician | $49,177 |
| Expert Level Veterinary Technician | $50,311 |
By Geographic Location
Veterinary technician salaries in the United States vary by location due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and demand for animal healthcare services.
For example, among metropolitan areas, San Jose, California, offers the highest average salary a vet tech can earn at $59,605 per year, while cities like Pierre report lower median salaries of $39,814 per year.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $55,279 | $59,605 | $66,979 |
| San Francisco, California | $54,736 | $59,019 | $66,320 |
| Washington, D.C. | $48,525 | $52,323 | $58,796 |
| Miami, Florida | $42,109 | $45,405 | $51,021 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $45,291 | $48,835 | $54,877 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $48,880 | $52,706 | $59,226 |
| New York, New York | $50,791 | $54,766 | $61,541 |
| Pierre | $36,924 | $39,814 | $44,739 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive higher salaries for veterinary technicians. According to Salary.com's Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report, those with IV catheter placement skills earn 10.9% more, while those with pharmacology skills see a 10.08% boost. The demand for these skills is 10.8% and 10.2%, respectively.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| IV Catheter Placement | +10.9% | 10.8% |
| Pharmacology | +10.08% | 10.2% |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | +9.89% | 10.4% |
| Sample Collection | +9.19% | 10.8% |
| Veterinary Medicine | +8.58% | 10.8% |
| Laboratory Equipment | +8.35% | 10.4% |
| Animal Health | +6.94% | 10.3% |
| Animal Care | +5.78% | 10.2% |
How to Become a Veterinary Technician
If you're planning a career as a veterinary technician, here's what you need to know to prepare for the role.
- Get education: Most vet techs hold a 2-year associate's degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited program. Some pursue a 4-year bachelor's degree to become veterinary technologists. High school courses in biology and sciences prepare students for vet school.
- Gain experience and training: The job typically requires 3-5 years of related experience, often gained through clinical work in private clinics or hospitals. Hands-on training in performing diagnostic tests, administering medication, and anesthesia is essential.
- Develop key skills: Vet techs need compassion, communication, and detail-oriented skills to handle animals and interact with pet owners. Manual dexterity is crucial for tasks like diagnostic tests and medical procedures, while physical strength helps manage animals. Specialization in areas like pharmacology or animal health can lead to more money.
What Are the FAQs About Veterinary Technician Salaries?
Here are some common questions about vet tech salaries:
How does a veterinary technician get paid?
Vet techs are typically paid an hourly wage or annual salary, depending on the employer. Some may receive bonuses based on performance or clinic revenue. Salaries are often in the top half earned for animal healthcare roles.
Is veterinary technician a high-paying position?
While not among the highest-paid medical careers, vet tech salaries are competitive within animal care, with opportunities for higher salaries through specialization or working in high-cost metropolitan areas like San Jose or San Francisco.
Who earns more, a veterinarian or a veterinary technician?
Veterinarians, who require a doctoral degree and licensure, earn significantly more than vet techs. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $125,510 for veterinarians in May 2024, compared to $45,980 for veterinary technicians.
How hard is it to become a veterinary technician?
Becoming a vet tech is moderately competitive. It requires a 2-year associate's degree, passing the VTNE, and, in most states, certification or licensure. The role demands strong skills in animal care, clinical tasks, and handling emotionally demanding situations.
