What Do Veterinary Technicians Earn?
Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in crucial technical and animal handling roles. Vet techs, as they are commonly known, perform intake examinations by measuring an animal's weight and any other relevant information the vet needs to perform an exam. In some cases this includes taking the animal's pulse and temperature. Vet techs also administer shots and vaccinations, extract blood and urine samples and run diagnostic tests. Their role supports veterinarians the way nurses support doctors.
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National Average
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Across the United States, veterinary technicians earn an average of between $22,790 and $33,498 per year, according to a December 2010 PayScale report. The average salary has not increased much since the National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) conducted a salary survey in 2003. Those survey results showed an average of $26,569 to $30,500. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national low of under $19,770 for vet techs, while top earners averaged over $41,493 in 2008.
Regional Differences
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The NAVTA survey highlights regional pay differences among vet techs across the United States. Technicians in the Northeast report the highest pay rates, followed by those in the South. Midwestern techs lag behind the Southerners in pay, followed up by those in the West.
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Degrees and Training
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Most states require certification for vet techs, but individual states decide certification criteria. To prepare students for certification exams, many two-year colleges offer veterinary technician degree programs. However, veterinary technicians with bachelor's degrees in science or biology tend to earn slightly more than those with only an associate-level degree.
Experience
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Vet techs can expect to start at the lowest end of the pay scale and work their way up. Technicians who have been on the job less than a year report average hourly wages between $8.89 and $11.96, according to PayScale. Technicians who have been practicing for five to nine years report wages averaging $11.95 to $15.85, while longstanding techs of 20 years or more can make $14.37 to $18.70, as of December 2010.
Other Influential Factors
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Experience and clinic type may influence a vet technician's salary. Techs in private clinics typically report higher earnings than those in animal shelters or pet hospitals associated with major pet supply store chains. Membership in NAVTA also appears to increase potential pay rate, but because this data comes from a survey conducted by that organization, data may be influenced by the number of members versus nonmembers reporting.
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References
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