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This is a question that prospective vet techs often ask. The answer may vary depending on location and experience, but there is an average range.
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Introduction
The median annual wage for veterinary technicians and technologists was $33,400 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,060.
What Does a Vet Tech Do?
In order to become a veterinary technician, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some programs may require you to have some college experience. You will also need to pass a state-approved exam. Once you have completed these requirements, you will be able to work in a variety of settings, including animal shelters, zoos, kennels, and private practices.
As a vet tech, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including caring for sick and injured animals, administering medications and vaccinations,Collecting lab samples and performing diagnostic tests,Assisting in surgery and providing postoperative care
The median annual salary for veterinary technicians was $33,400 in May 2017, with the top 10 percent earning more than $48,090 per year and the bottom 10 percent earning less than $21,540 per year.
How Much Does a Vet Tech Earn?
The average annual salary for a veterinary technician in the United States is $33,280, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent of earners bring in less than $22,920 per year, while the highest 10 percent make more than $47,350 annually. Salaries vary by region, with those in the West and Northeast earning the highest wages on average.
Factors That Affect a Vet Tech’s Salary
As with many other professions, a vet tech’s salary depends on a number of factors, including education and experience, geographical location, and type of employer.
Education and experience are perhaps the most important factors in determining a vet tech’s salary. Veterinarians must have at least a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine, and many choose to complete a one- or two-year residency program as well. In contrast, vet techs need only have an associate’s degree in veterinary technology, although some employers may prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree. Nevertheless, because they require less education and training than veterinarians, vet techs typically earn lower salaries than their licensed counterparts.
Geographical location is another important factor that can affect a vet tech’s salary. Generally speaking, vets in urban areas tend to earn more than those in rural areas because the cost of living is higher in cities and there is greater demand for veterinary services. For example, a vet tech working in New York City may earn a significantly higher salary than one working in a small town in upstate New York.
Type of employer can also affect a vet tech’s salary. Those who work for private practices or animal hospitals tend to earn more than those who work for shelters or government agencies. Furthermore, those who work full time usually earn more than those who work part time.
The Job Outlook for Vet Techs
The job outlook for vet techs is great! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of vet techs will grow 19 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due in part to an increase in demand for animal health care, as well as a focus on preventive care.
Conclusion
Salaries for vet techs can vary depending on experience, geographic location, and type of employer. The averagemonthly salary for vet techs in the United States is $3,290, or $39,480 per year. Experienced vet techs with several years of experience can earn salaries closer to $4,500 per month, or $54,000 per year.
