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How much does a vet tech get paid? That’s a question we get asked a lot. And it’s a tough one to answer, because there are so many variables.
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Introduction
Vet techs are in high demand as the career field continues to grow. As a vet tech, you can expect to earn a comfortable salary and enjoy many job perks. In this article, we’ll explore how much vet techs get paid and some of the factors that influence their salary.
Vet techs are skilled professionals who provide vital support to veterinarians. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including caring for sick and injured animals, performing laboratory tests, and providing customer service.
The average salary for a vet tech is $32,350 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as education level, experience, geographical location, and type of employer. For example, entry-level vet techs may earn less than $25,000 per year while those with more experience may earn upwards of $40,000 per year.
How Much Does a Vet Tech Get Paid?
Vet techs are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in the field by 2026. With a career in such high demand, you may be wondering how much vet techs make. The answer may surprise you. Vet techs can make a very comfortable wage, with the majority of vet techs making over $30,000 a year.
National Average Salary for a Vet Tech
The national average salary for a vet tech is $33,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure is based on a mean salary of allvet techs across the country and does not necessarily reflect what new grads can expect to earn. Salaries for vet techs can vary widely based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, education level, and type of employer.
Salary by State
In order to become a veterinary technician, one must graduate from an accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The average salary for a vet tech is $33,000, but this number will differ based on experience, location, and type of practice.
Vet techs in California earn the highest salaries in the nation, with an average salary of $45,430. This is followed by Washington state at $43,680, and Alaska at $41,390. On the other hand, Mississippi has the lowest average salary for vet techs at $24,560. Other states near the bottom include Arkansas ($25,280) and West Virginia ($26,090).
Meanwhile, states with a large number of veterinary practices tend to have higher average salaries for their vet techs. For example, New York has 3 times as many veterinary practices per capita as Mississippi does, and New York vet techs earn an average salary that is $10K higher.
How to Become a Vet Tech
A vet tech is a vital part of any veterinarian’s office, and the pay is good. The median annual wage for vet techs was $33,400 in May 2019, and the job outlook is projected to grow by 19% from 2019-2029. If you’re interested in becoming a vet tech,read on to learn more about the educational requirements and job duties.
Education and Training Requirements
In order to become a vet tech, you will need to complete a two-year Associate’s degree in veterinary technology from an accredited school and pass a state-administered credentialing exam.
Some states require additional certification in order to practice, so it is important to check with your state’s veterinary board before beginning your education. There are also voluntary credentialing programs available through professional organizations such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
The coursework for a vet tech program includes classroom instruction in topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as hands-on laboratory and clinical experience. Many programs also include externships or internships to give students practical experience working with animals.
Certification
There are multiple ways to become a certified veterinary technician. The most common way is to complete a two-year accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). There are currently more than 200 accredited programs across the United States. Once you have passed the VTNE, you will need to become licensed in the state in which you plan to practice. Each state has different requirements, but most states require you to take an additional state jurisprudence exam and pass a background check.
Licensure
Vet techs in every state except Alaska must be licensed. The process for licensure varies by state but generally includes completing an accredited veterinary technology education program and passing a state-administered exam. Some states have additional licensure requirements, such as passing an exam administered by the National Veterinary Technician Association. Vet techs can find information about licensure requirements in their state by visiting the American Veterinary Medical Association’s website and clicking on “Advocacy” and then “State Licensure: Regulations for Veterinary Technicians.”
Job Outlook
Vet techs can expect above-average job growth in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20 percent increase in vet tech jobs between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The continuing pet boom—more households own pets than ever before—should result in more visits to vets and, as a result, more demand for vet techs.
Conclusion
So, how much does a vet tech get paid? It really depends on the state that you work in, but the average salary for a vet tech is around $32,000 per year.
