Veterinary technicians (vet techs) in the United States earn a median annual salary of about $45,980 as of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries vary widely depending on factors such as state, experience, specialization, and workplace setting

Salary Range

• Entry-level: Typically start around $30,000 to $35,000 per year

• Mid-career: With several years of experience, vet techs usually earn between $40,000 and $50,000 annually

• Senior-level: Experienced and certified vet techs can make $55,000 or more per year

Hourly Wage

• The average hourly wage nationally is approximately $22.57

• In California, which tends to have higher wages, the average hourly rate is about $27.72

Salary by State (Median Annual Salary Examples)

State| Median Salary
---|---
California| $55,080
New York| $58,830
Florida| $40,380
Texas| $37,250
Alabama| $30,480

Salaries tend to be higher in states with a higher cost of living and in urban areas

Additional Compensation and Benefits

Vet techs may also receive overtime pay, bonuses, healthcare benefits, and retirement plans depending on their employer

Job Outlook

The demand for vet techs is strong, with projected job growth of about 19.3% through 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations

. In summary, vet tech salaries generally range from about $30,000 for beginners to over $55,000 for experienced professionals, with regional differences playing a significant role in pay levels