A veterinary technician (vet tech) in the United States typically earns a median annual salary of about $45,980 as of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
. Hourly wages average around $22.58 nationally
. Entry-level vet techs usually start with salaries between $30,000 and $35,000 annually, while mid-career professionals can expect $40,000 to $50,000 per year. Senior-level vet techs with advanced certifications and experience may earn $55,000 or more annually
. Salaries vary significantly by state, with higher pay in states like California (median $55,080), New York ($58,830), and Washington ($59,080), while states like Alabama and Louisiana have lower medians around $30,000
. Factors influencing salary include location, years of experience, specialization, and certifications. The job outlook for vet techs is strong, with projected growth of about 19.3% through 2033, which is much faster than average for all occupations
. In summary:
- Median annual salary: ~$46,000 nationally
- Entry-level: $30,000–$35,000
- Mid-career: $40,000–$50,000
- Senior-level: $55,000+
- Hourly wage average: ~$22.58
- Salary varies by state and experience
This reflects the professional and technical nature of the work, although some reports note that salaries can be modest relative to the education and responsibilities involved
