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How much does a veterinary technician make hourly? This is a question that many people ask when considering a career in veterinary medicine. The answer may surprise you!
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How Much Does a Vet Tech Make in an Hour?
The average salary for a Veterinary Technician is $17.24 per hour. The pay range varies depending on experience, location, and other factors.
The Average Salary of a Vet Tech
The average salary of a vet tech is $15.24 per hour, or $31,710 per year, as of May 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly below the national average for all occupations, which was $37,040 per year in May 2016. Vet techs working in the top 10th percentile of earners made $21.48 per hour, or $44,710 per year. Those in the bottom 10th percentile made $9.73 per hour or less, or $20,270 or less per year
The Top 10 Percent of Vet Techs
The top 10 percent of vet techs made $24.94 per hour in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned $10.71 per hour or less. Median hourly earnings for all vet techs were $16.05 in 2016, meaning that half of all workers in this occupation earned more than this amount and half earned less.
The Bottom 10 Percent of Vet Techs
The bottom 10 percent of vet techs make less than $11.67 an hour, or $24,270 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How to Become a Vet Tech
Vet techs are in high demand and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of vet techs will grow by 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. With a median hourly wage of $17.90, vet techs earn a good wage, especially when you consider that most have only an associate’s degree.
Becoming a vet tech requires completing a 2-year accredited veterinary technology program. These programs are offered at many community colleges and technical schools across the country. Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become credentialed. Once you have your credentials, you can apply for jobs at veterinary clinics, hospitals, zoos, and research facilities.
The Future of Vet Techs
Vet techs are in demand and the future looks bright for those considering a career in veterinary technology. The number of vet tech jobs is expected to grow 19% from 2016 to 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—much faster than the average for all occupations.1 As a result, vet techs can expect to find many opportunities for employment. The median annual salary for vet techs was $33,400 in May 2017.2
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm#tab-6
2https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292031.htm
