Veterinary technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2056) earned a median annual wage of approximately $40,090 — about $19.27 per hour — according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
This field is among the fastest-growing in healthcare, with BLS projecting 19 percent employment growth through 2032, far exceeding the national average of 3 percent.
Approximately 17,400 openings are expected each year, reflecting surging demand for pet care services and the expansion of veterinary practices across the United States.
Vet techs (also called veterinary technicians or veterinary technologists, depending on education level) perform clinical tasks under the supervision of licensed veterinarians, including collecting samples, administering medications, and assisting in surgeries.
Compensation varies by practice type, geographic market, specialization, and credentialing through organizations such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
For related animal health profession salaries, compare the veterinarian salary to understand the full career ladder in veterinary medicine.
Vet Tech Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2056) earned a median annual wage of approximately $40,090 ($19.27/hr) based on the most recent OEWS data. The table below illustrates the full wage distribution across national percentile levels.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $29,000 | $13.94 |
| 25th | $33,500 | $16.11 |
| 50th (Median) | $40,090 | $19.27 |
| 75th | $49,000 | $23.56 |
| 90th | $60,000 | $28.85 |
Note that veterinary technologists (typically holding an associate or bachelor's degree) may earn somewhat more than veterinary technicians working in the same practice setting. These figures are national estimates from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program.
To see exactly how wages like $19 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $19 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Vet Tech Pay by Experience Level
Experience, credentialing, and specialization all contribute to wage growth for veterinary technicians over time. The table below reflects typical annual salary ranges at each career stage, based on BLS data and industry benchmarks as of 2026.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $29,000 – $35,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–7 years) | $35,000 – $48,000 |
| Experienced (8+ years) | $48,000 – $60,000+ |
Vet techs who earn specialty certification through the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia, Dentistry, Emergency and Critical Care, or other NAVTA-recognized specialties may earn wages at or above the 75th percentile, even with moderate total years of experience.
Vet Tech Salary by State and Region
Location is a key driver of vet tech compensation. States with higher costs of living and dense urban veterinary markets tend to offer higher wages, while rural markets may offer lower wages but reduced competition for positions.
Top-Paying States
According to BLS OEWS data, the states that typically report the highest median wages for veterinary technologists and technicians include California, Connecticut, Alaska, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Median wages in these states may range from $48,000 to $58,000, driven by high costs of living and robust demand in suburban and urban pet care markets.
Vet techs considering California should weigh the cost of living in California against these higher nominal wages, as housing and living costs substantially reduce real purchasing power compared to lower-cost states.
Regional Patterns
The West Coast and Northeast consistently report higher-than-average vet tech wages.
The Southeast and Midwest tend to pay closer to or below the national median.
However, specialty or emergency veterinary hospitals in any region may pay significantly above typical companion-animal practice rates regardless of geography.
Factors That Affect Vet Tech Pay
Several factors beyond experience and geography may influence vet tech compensation, including the type of practice, credentials held, and the specific animals or conditions a technician is trained to treat.
Practice Type and Setting
Emergency and specialty veterinary hospitals typically offer higher wages than general companion-animal practices. Vet techs in research facilities, universities, or government agencies (such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture) may receive structured pay scales with strong benefits packages.
Species Specialization
Technicians trained to work with exotic animals, livestock, equine patients, or zoo animals may find niche markets that command premium wages, though positions are fewer and competition can be intense.
Large-animal practices in agricultural regions may offer wages above the median in areas with lower overall costs of living.
Credentials and Certification
The Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), is required for licensure or certification in most states.
Holding an active credential (RVT, CVT, or LVT depending on state) is often required for higher-paying positions and may accelerate career advancement.
Shift and On-Call Differentials
Emergency clinics and 24-hour veterinary hospitals routinely offer shift differentials for overnight, weekend, and holiday work. These premiums can add several thousand dollars to annual base wages and are particularly common in specialty and emergency settings.
Vet Tech Career Outlook
The BLS projects employment of veterinary technologists and technicians to grow approximately 19 percent through 2032 — among the fastest projected growth rates across all occupations tracked by BLS. This growth is expected to generate roughly 17,400 openings per year, driven by rising pet ownership rates, the humanization of pets (leading to increased spending on veterinary care), and the growing complexity of veterinary medicine requiring more clinical support staff.
The expansion of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, telemedicine applications in veterinary care, and increased demand for food safety inspection services are additional demand drivers.
Given the high growth rate, newly trained vet techs with relevant credentials should generally find employment opportunities across most geographic markets.
However, wages remain relatively modest compared to comparable clinical roles in human healthcare, which may contribute to ongoing turnover and workforce shortages in some markets.
Vet techs should apply salary negotiation strategies when moving to emergency or specialty practices, build a high-yield savings account for short-term financial stability, and review emergency fund recommendations for their income level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average vet tech salary in 2026?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2056) earned a median annual wage of approximately $40,090 — about $19.27 per hour — based on the most recent OEWS survey data.
Wages vary by state, practice type, and credentials.
For comparison, the medical assistant salary reflects similar entry-level clinical support pay in human healthcare settings.
What is the difference between a vet tech and a veterinary technologist?
Veterinary technicians typically hold a 2-year associate degree from an AVMA-accredited program, while veterinary technologists generally hold a 4-year bachelor's degree.
Technologists may be eligible for more advanced roles and slightly higher wages.
Both must typically pass the VTNE and obtain state-specific licensure or certification.
How can a vet tech increase their salary?
Pursuing specialty certification through a NAVTA-recognized Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) academy is one of the most effective ways to increase earnings.
Working in emergency, specialty, or research settings — rather than general practice — typically also supports higher wages.
Relocating to higher-cost metropolitan markets may also increase compensation, though cost of living should be factored into any comparison.
Is vet tech a growing career?
Yes — the BLS projects 19 percent employment growth for veterinary technologists and technicians through 2032, which is much faster than the national average.
Approximately 17,400 openings are expected each year.
Strong pet ownership trends and the expansion of specialty veterinary medicine are primary growth drivers.
Vet techs looking to advance their careers should also review retirement savings targets and build toward the savings benchmarks appropriate for their age and income.
Do vet techs need a license or certification?
Most states require vet techs to be licensed, certified, or registered, which typically involves passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
Specific credential titles (RVT, CVT, LVT) and requirements vary by state.
Holding an active credential is generally required for employment in clinical and hospital settings and is associated with higher wages.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2056) — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292056.htm
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Information Network (O*NET): Veterinary Technologists and Technicians — https://www.dol.gov/
Last updated: April 27, 2026