How Much Do Vet Techs Get Paid?
Veterinary technicians provide nursing care for animals, perform laboratory work and assist veterinarians during physical exams and surgery. They work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, and most are employed in small animal private practices and hospitals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects excellent job opportunities for vet techs through at least 2018. Salaries vary depending on experience.
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Job Features
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Veterinary technicians talk with the pet owners about the animal's medical history and current symptoms. They draw blood and perform blood counts, and conduct laboratory tests on urine and feces. Vet techs administer medication orally and by injection, and instruct owners how to do so at home. They assist the veterinarian during exams, emergency care, surgery and dental procedures, and they monitor the animal after surgery or other treatment.
Years of Experience
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Most veterinary technicians have at least an associate's degree in veterinary technology, explains the BLS. These programs are available at technical schools and community colleges, and should be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Median starting pay for vet techs as of December 2010 was about $9 to $12 per hour, as noted by the PayScale salary survey website. Those with one to four years of experience can expect to get paid $10 to $13.20, and those with five to nine years of experience generally earn $12 to $16 per hour.
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Salary Range
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The average salary for vet techs as of May 2009 was $14.70 per hour or about $30,600 per year, as reported by the BLS. Those in the middle 50 percent range were getting paid about $11.50 to $17.25 per hour, or $24,000 to $36,000 per year. The bottom 10 percent were making $9.70 or less per hour, and the top 10 percent earned over $20.70.
Potential
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Although not many vet techs work for the U.S. federal government, the positions are lucrative, paying $22.60 per hour or $47,000 per year as of May 2009, finds the BLS. Other high-paying opportunities are in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing and in medical diagnostic laboratories, where vet techs make about $19 to $19.50 per hour on average.
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References
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