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How Much Does a Zoo Vet Tech Make?
A zoo vet tech is a professional who provides medical care to animals in zoos. They typically have a degree in veterinary medicine and are licensed by the state in which they practice. Zoo vet techs make a median salary of $33,000 per year.
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Job Description
A vet tech at a zoo is responsible for the daily care of the animals, as well as providing medical treatment when necessary. Vet techs also often work with the zookeepers to ensure that the animals are healthy and happy. They may also assist with research projects or educational programs at the zoo. So, how much does a zoo vet tech make?
Duties of a Zoo Vet Tech
First and foremost, zoo vet techs help to care for the animals that live in their zoo. This includes everything from providing routine check-ups and administering vaccinations to helping to treat injuries and diagnosing illnesses. They also may be responsible for feeding and exercising the animals, as well as keeping their living quarters clean.
In addition to caring for the animals, zoo vet techs also play an important role in educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation. They may give tours of the zoo or lead educational programs about the animals that live there.
Zoo vet techs must have a strong understanding of animal behavior, as they often need to help calm down scared or agitated animals. They also need to be comfortable working with a variety of different species, as they may be required to care for everything from reptiles to mammals.
Education and Training
To become a zoo vet tech, you will need to have a high school diploma or GED. You will also need to complete a veterinary technician program. Some programs may require you to have a certain amount of experience working with animals.
Where to Study
There are many different programs that will allow you to become a zoo vet tech. You can find associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree programs at colleges and universities across the country. You’ll want to make sure that the program you choose is accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC).
Once you’ve completed your educational program, you’ll need to become certified by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV). To do this, you’ll need to pass a written exam and a practical skills exam. Once you’re certified, you’ll be able to work as a zoo vet tech in any accredited zoo in the country.
What to Study
If your goal is to become a zoo vet tech, you will need to complete a rigorous education and training program. These programs are typically four-year undergraduate or graduate degree programs, although there are some two-year associate’s degree programs available. During your course of study, you will take classes in veterinary technology, animal husbandry, biology, and zoology. You will also participate in externships or clinical rotations at zoos or other animal care facilities. Once you have completed your education and training, you will be eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and earn your credential as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
Certification
National Zoo Veterinary Technician Certification (NZVTC) is the only Zoo Vet Technician Certification available in the United States. The certification is granted by the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT).
Certification Exam
The American Association of Zoo Veterinarians offers the only certification exam for veterinary technicians who work with exotic animals. To be eligible to take the examination, candidates must have graduated from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and have worked in the field for at least two years. Candidates must also submit letters of recommendation and a professional resume. The exam is given once a year at the AAZV conference.
Salary
The median annual wage for veterinary technicians and technologists was $33,400 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,350. Most veterinary technicians and technologists work full time in private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and laboratories. A small number are self-employed.
Salary by State
The average salary for a Zoo Vet Tech is $33,768. The median salary is $31,315.
These numbers come from the salary data website, Payscale.com. In order to get the most accurate information, we looked at salaries for vet techs in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. We then took the median of all these salaries to get the number listed above. Here is a breakdown of what vet techs earn in each state:
-Alabama: $29,640
-Alaska: $37,770
-Arizona: $34,890
-Arkansas: $31,060
-California: $38,400
– Colorado: $36,490
-Connecticut: $35,980
-Delaware: $34,290
-District of Columbia: $39,280
-Florida:$ 33,400
-Georgia:$ 32,170
-Hawaii :$ 41 ,110
-Idaho :$ 30 ,840
-Illinois :$ 34 ,160
-Indiana :$ 32 ,240
-Iowa :$ 31 ,490
-Kansas :$ 32 ,950
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a zoo veterinary technician was $33,780 in May 2019. The job outlook for this career is good, with a projected 18 percent growth in employment from 2018 to 2028.
Job Opportunities
The number of job opportunities for zoo vet techs is expected to grow in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of veterinary technicians and technologists will grow 20 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Zoo vet techs with experience and specialized training will have the best job prospects.
