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Find out how much vet techs make in different parts of the country, what kind of benefits and bonuses they receive, and whether the job outlook is positive.
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Introduction
Vet techs are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the profession to grow by 19% from 2016 to 2026. As the median pay for vet techs is $32,350 per year, or $15.59 per hour, many wonder how much money they can make working in this career field.
How Much Do Vet Techs Make?
Vet techs are in high demand and the pay reflects that. The median pay for a vet tech is $33,000 per year, with the top 10% of earners making over $45,000 per year. Vet techs can expect to see a steady job market, with a projected 18% growth in jobs from 2016-2026. If you’re thinking of becoming a vet tech, you’re likely wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the median pay for vet techs in the United States.
National Average
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for vet techs was $33,780 in May 2019.1 The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,760 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,030. Salaries will vary by employer, geographic location, and your own qualifications and experience.
Top Paying States
There are many factors that contribute to how much a vet tech makes. The top paying states for this profession are Alaska, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. These states offer higher than average salaries for vet techs. The cost of living in these states is also higher than average, so it is important to take that into consideration when looking at the salary data.
Factors That Affect How Much Vet Techs Make
Vet techs are in high demand and the job outlook is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for vet techs was $33,280 in 2018. The top 10% of earners made more than $48,500, and the bottom 10% made less than $21,640. As you can see, there is a pretty big range in what vet techs can make. So, what factors affect how much vet techs make?
Location
There are several different factors that will affect how much money a vet tech makes. One of the most important factors is location. In general, vet techs who work in urban areas tend to make more money than those who work in rural areas. This is because there is usually more demand for veterinary services in urban areas, and vet clinics in these areas are often able to charge higher prices for their services. Another factor that can affect how much vet techs make is the type of employer they work for. For example, vet techs who work for large veterinary hospitals or clinics often make more money than those who work for small Animal Practices
Education
In order to become a licensed veterinary technician, you must complete a two-year accredited veterinary technology program and pass a state board exam. There are currently more than 200 accredited veterinary technology programs across the country, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
The type of institution you attend can also affect your earnings potential. Generally speaking, private colleges and universities tend to cost more than public schools, but they also offer more opportunities for financial aid and scholarships. And while you might not think it would make a difference, earning your degree online can actually lead to lower earnings as well.
Experience
Many factors affect how much you can earn as a veterinary technician. Your experience, location, and the type of employer are just a few that can play a role in your salary.
As a general rule, the longer you have been working as a veterinary technician, the higher your salary will be. This is because you will have had more time to gain experience and build up your skills. You may also be able to earn more money by working in a specialty area or taking on more responsibility at work.
Your location can also play a role in how much you make. Veterinary technicians in larger cities and metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those who work in rural areas. This is because there is usually more demand for veterinary services in urban areas, so employers are willing to pay more to attract and retain qualified staff.
The type of employer you work for can also affect your salary. Veterinary technicians who work for private practice clinics often earn more than those who work for spca’s or other animal welfare organizations. This is because private clinics generally have more money to invest in their staff and can offer higher salaries and benefits packages.
Conclusion
The average salaries for entry-level and experienced vet techs can vary greatly depending on geographical location, the type of employer, and the level of experience and education. In general, though, vet techs can expect to earn a comfortable salary that will increase with experience. With a little research, you can find the vet tech salary that’s right for you.
