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If you’re thinking about becoming a vet tech, you probably want to know how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the average vet tech salary in the US, including how it varies by experience and location.
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Introduction
Vet techs are in high demand these days, and their pay reflects that. As of May 2019, the median hourly wage for vet techs was $17.99, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners made more than $24.78, while the bottom 10% made less than $11.61.
What is a Vet Tech?
A Veterinary Technician is a professional who helps Veterinarians care for animals. They may work in private clinics, zoos, aquariums, diagnostic laboratories, and animal shelters. Some states require Veterinary Technicians to be licensed, but requirements vary.
A Veterinary Technician typically has an Associate’s degree in veterinary technology, although some have a Bachelor’s degree. They may also have certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). The duties of a Vet Tech include animal care and handling, animal medical procedures, anesthesia monitoring, laboratory work, and client education.
The median hourly pay for a Veterinary Technician was $17.31 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $24.62 per hour.
What Does a Vet Tech Do?
Vet techs are critical members of the veterinary team. They are the ones who work closely with the animals and their owners to provide the best possible care. As such, they must be able to handle a wide variety of tasks, including:
Performing physical exams
Taking x-rays
Administering vaccinations
Drawing blood
Collecting urine and stool samples
Assisting in surgery
Providing post-operative care
Educating owners about pet health care
How Much Does a Vet Tech Get Paid an Hour?
The average hourly pay for a Veterinary Technician is $16.64. Visit PayScale to research veterinary technician hourly pay by city, experience, skill, employer, and more.
Factors That Affect a Vet Tech’s Salary
There are a number of factors that can affect how much a vet tech gets paid an hour. The first is experience. Vet techs who have been working in the field for a longer period of time usually make more money than entry-level employees. Another factor that can affect salary is geographical location. Vet techs who work in cities tend to make more money than those who work in rural areas. The type of employer also plays a role in how much vet techs make an hour. Vet techs who work for private practices or animal hospitals usually earn more than those who work for non-profit organizations or government agencies.
The Future of Vet Techs
There is a lot of talk about the future of vet techs and how they will be affected by the economy and the changing healthcare landscape. The good news is that vet techs are in high demand and there are many opportunities for them to advance their careers. The average vet tech makes $19.34 an hour, but there are many factors that can affect this number.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one definitive answer to the question, “How much does a vet tech get paid an hour?” However, based on the data that is available, it appears that the average hourly wage for a vet tech in the United States is somewhere between $12 and $20 per hour. Of course, this figure will vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.
