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If you’re considering a career as a veterinary technician, you’re probably wondering about vet tech salary and how much money you can make in this field.
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Introduction
The Veterinary Technician field is expected to grow by 19% through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – that’s almost 3 times the average job growth! With such high demand and a wide variety of settings in which they can work, vet techs can expect to command a good salary. So, how much do vet techs make?
In general, the average vet tech salary is $33,000 – $35,000 per year. Of course, this number will vary depending on experience, location, and type of employer. For example, those who work in private practices or specialty clinics will usually make more than those working in shelters or rescue organizations. And those with more experience can expect to earn higher salaries as well.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a vet tech, you can expect to command a good salary in this high-demand field!
What Does a Vet Tech Do?
As a vet tech, you’ll be an integral member of the veterinary team, providing support to the veterinarian and caring for the needs of animal patients. You’ll need to have compassion for animals and their owners, as well as the ability to handle stressful situations. As a vet tech, you can expect to perform medical and surgical procedures under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. You’ll also be responsible for collecting and processing lab samples, maintaining medical records, filling prescriptions and educating pet owners on animal health care.
How Much Do Vet Techs Make?
Vet techs are an important part of the veterinary care team. They are responsible for providing direct patient care, performing lab work and radiology, assisting in surgery, filling prescriptions, and maintaining medical records. Vet techs must have excellent communication skills and be able to work well under pressure. If you are considering a career as a vet tech, you may be wondering how much they make.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for vet techs was $33,380 in 2018. The top 10% of earners made more than $48,350, while the bottom 10% earned less than $22,560.
Pay varies depending on factors such as experience, geographic location, and type of employer. For example, vet techs who work in clinics or hospitals tend to earn more than those who work in private practices. Vet techs who live in urban areas typically earn more than those who live in rural areas.
The best way to earn a high salary as a vet tech is to gain experience and specialize in a certain area of veterinary medicine. Those who have certification or a degree from an accredited vet tech program also tend to earn more than those who do not.
Factors That Affect a Vet Tech’s Salary
There are a number of factors that affect how much a vet tech makes. The most important factor is experience. The longer a vet tech has been working, the more they will usually make. Another important factor is education level. Vet techs with higher levels of education will often make more than those with only a certificate or associate’s degree. Finally, the geographic location of the vet tech can also affect their salary. Vet techs who work in urban areas typically make more than those who work in rural areas.
The Job Outlook for Vet Techs
The job outlook for veterinary technicians is extremely positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of veterinary technician jobs will grow by 19% between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is largely due to the increasing numbers of pet ownership, as well as the realization by pet owners that veterinary care can greatly improve the health and longevity of their pets. As a result, there will be an increased demand for animal hospitals and other medical facilities that employ vet techs.
How to Become a Vet Tech
There are many ways to become a vet tech. The most common route is to enroll in an accredited veterinary technology program and then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become credentialed.
There are more than 200 AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs across the country, offering both certificate and degree options. Coursework typically includes animal science, clinical sciences, pharmacology, anesthesia, surgery and diagnostic imaging.
