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Veterinary technologist: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$47,380median pay per year, or $22.78 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $35,710lowest 10% earn less
  2. $38,91025th percentile
  3. $47,380median
  4. $57,65075th percentile
  5. $63,180top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

The median pay for veterinary technologists and technicians was $47,380 a year in May 2025[1]. BLS projects 9.4% job growth from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+9.4%[2]
Openings per year
13,400[5]
Typical entry education
Associate's degree[6]

How much do veterinary technologists make?

The official BLS category is Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. In May 2025, the median wage was $47,380 a year, or $22.78 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $49,120 a year, or $23.61 an hour[7].

The median for all occupations in the US was $50,980 a year[4].

Here is how pay spread out in this occupation[3][8]:

Percentile Annual Hourly
10th[3][8] $35,710 $17.17
25th[3][8] $38,910 $18.71
Median[1] $47,380 $22.78
75th[3][8] $57,650 $27.72
90th[3][8] $63,180 $30.38

The lowest-paid 10% of workers earned less than $35,710[3]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

These figures cover wage and salary workers, both part time and full time. They leave out the self-employed, and they do not count bonuses or the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10]. About 129,140 people held these wage and salary jobs in May 2025[11].

Pay by state and city

The District of Columbia had the highest median, at $61,270 a year, followed by California at $60,630, Washington at $59,740 and New York at $59,010[12]. Louisiana had the lowest published median, at $35,530[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA was first at $71,090, then San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA at $67,280 and Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA at $62,810[13].

The most jobs were in Texas (16,730), Florida (11,380) and California (11,310)[14]. The metro areas with the most jobs were New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ (4,850), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (4,570) and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA (3,640)[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[12]$61,270120
California$60,63011,310
Washington$59,7402,290
New York$59,0105,350
Minnesota$57,2703,560
Oregon$55,8101,120
Virginia$52,0902,790
Connecticut$50,9501,690
Maine$50,810910
Nevada$50,2501,120
Michigan$49,7102,550
Colorado$49,6503,720
Massachusetts$49,5403,990
Vermont$49,490390
New Jersey$49,0502,910
North Dakota$48,790340
New Hampshire$48,780870
Indiana$48,7201,820
Hawaii$48,550270
Delaware$48,370530
Ohio$47,9904,790
North Carolina$47,6202,580
Maryland$47,3502,540
Wisconsin$47,0202,590
Alaska$46,480380
Illinois$46,4405,040
Pennsylvania$46,4306,620
Florida$46,38011,380
Arizona$46,3003,970
Kansas$45,8101,270
Iowa$45,5601,220
Rhode Island$45,310530
South Dakota$45,300300
New Mexico$44,790890
Nebraska$43,680690
Missouri$43,5202,040
Georgia$43,0602,410
Tennessee$42,8101,640
Idaho$42,120790
Montana$41,170480
Utah$40,5601,550
Kentucky$39,5901,670
Texas$39,41016,730
Oklahoma$39,1001,060
South Carolina$39,0202,540
Wyoming$38,650310
Arkansas$38,360320
West Virginia$37,700400
Alabama$36,5901,880
Mississippi$36,380650
Louisiana$35,5302,220

How to become a veterinary technologist

BLS says entry takes a postsecondary program in veterinary technology[16]. Technicians usually earn a 2-year associate's degree, and technologists usually earn a 4-year bachelor's degree[16][17]. The steps look like this:

States regulate the job in different ways, and most states require an exam[19]. No related work experience is listed for entry[6].

In an O*NET survey of 25 workers, 41% said a high school diploma or equivalent was required, 26% said an associate's degree and 15% said a post-secondary certificate[20]. Most programs offer the 2-year associate's degree, and others offer the 4-year bachelor's degree[17].

BLS lists several useful qualities[21][22][23][24][25]:

What veterinary technologists do

These workers run lab tests, prepare vaccines and help with animal treatment, and they may assist a veterinarian during surgery[26]. Job titles include registered veterinary technician and veterinary nurse[27]. O*NET lists these tasks, most important first[28]:

Where they work

These workers typically work in private clinics and animal hospitals[29]. Some work in laboratories, colleges and universities, or humane societies[29]. Veterinary services was the largest employer in 2025, at 89%[30].

The job can be physically or emotionally demanding. Workers may see abused animals or help euthanize animals that are sick, injured or unwanted[31]. BLS says this occupation has one of the highest rates of injury and illness among all occupations, including bites, scratches and kicks[32]. Workers may have to work evenings, weekends or holidays[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 9.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 131,400 to 143,800 jobs, a gain of 12,300[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same years[34]. These projection counts include self-employed workers[2].

BLS expects about 13,400 openings a year on average[5]. Openings include jobs left by people who retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 2.9% of workers leave the labor force and 5.9% move to a different occupation[35].

Is it a good fit?

The facts show a job that needs a degree program, either 2 years or 4 years, and usually an exam[16][17]. Median pay of $47,380 is a little below the all-occupations median of $50,980[1][4]. Projected growth is above the all-occupations rate[2][34]. The work is physical and can be emotionally hard, and BLS notes high injury rates[31][32]. It may suit people who want hands-on animal care and are ready for a formal training program.

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[36].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a veterinary technologist make an hour?
The median wage was $22.78 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $17.17 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $30.38[8].
What degree do you need to be a veterinary technologist?
Technologists usually need a 4-year bachelor's degree in veterinary technology, and technicians usually need a 2-year associate's degree[17].
Is veterinary technologist in demand?
BLS projects 9.4% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[2][34]. About 13,400 openings a year are expected[5].
What is the highest paying state for veterinary technologists?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $61,270 a year in May 2025[12]. California was next at $60,630[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in the US was $47,380 per year and $22.78 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Veterinary Technologists and Technicians is projected to grow 9.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 131,400 to 143,800 jobs (a change of +12,300). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: 10th percentile $35,710, 25th percentile $38,910, 75th percentile $57,650, 90th percentile $63,180. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 13,400 openings for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: education needed for entry: Associate's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians was $49,120 per year and $23.61 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: 10th percentile $17.17, 25th percentile $18.71, 75th percentile $27.72, 90th percentile $30.38. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 129,140 people were employed as Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $71,090; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $67,280; Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $62,810; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $61,940; Salinas, CA $61,330; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $61,260; Vallejo, CA $61,230; Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $60,970. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Veterinary Technologists and Technicians jobs: Texas 16,730; Florida 11,380; California 11,310; Pennsylvania 6,620; New York 5,350. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Veterinary Technologists and Technicians jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 4,850 (median $59,680); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 4,570 (median $44,360); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 3,640 (median $60,670); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 3,570 (median $44,110); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 3,370 (median $48,340); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 3,250 (median $47,820). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. O*NET 29-2056.00 survey of workers (25 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 41%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 26%, Post-Secondary Certificate 15%, Some College Courses 7%, Doctoral Degree 6% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. O*NET description of Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET 29-2056.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Emergency Veterinary Technician (Emergency Vet Tech), Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician (Internal Medicine Vet Tech), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Veterinarian Technician (Vet Tech), Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Vet Lab Tech), Veterinary Nurse (Vet Nurse). O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET task list for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of veterinary technologists and technicians in 2025: Veterinary services 89%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: 2.9% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.9% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.