Projected to grow +9.1% through 2034, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians is expanding faster than most occupations. Median pay is $47,380, and early movers in a growing field often advance faster.
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
Also known as:
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians earn $47,380 nationally, below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,910 and $57,650. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Below average for bachelor's degree holders.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
High time pressure and significant consequences for errors. Deadline-driven or high-stakes decisions are common.
The BLS projects +9.1% employment change for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians through 2034, well above the national average of +5%. About 14,300 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
Faster than average.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Veterinary Technologists and Technicians professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $47,380 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 16,170 | $37,250 | -21.4% |
| 2 | California | 11,380 | $55,080 | +16.3% |
| 3 | Florida | 10,130 | $40,380 | -14.8% |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 5,840 | $41,910 | -11.5% |
| 5 | New York | 5,480 | $58,830 | +24.2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Veterinary Technologists and Technicians positions require a associate's degree to qualify. The program below is the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians | 8,257 | $44,115 | 292 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pima Medical Institute-Tucson Tucson, AZ | 88 | — | $38,673 |
| 2 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, CA | 86 | $11,531 | $71,902 |
| 3 | Institute of Medical Careers Pittsburgh, PA | 86 | $21,392 | — |
| 4 | Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN | 86 | $14,600 | $72,424 |
| 5 | Miami Dade College Miami, FL | 84 | $5,463 | $40,654 |
| 6 | Foothill College Los Altos Hills, CA | 83 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
Once you've sized up Veterinary Technologists and Technicians, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
See if the degree that leads to Veterinary Technologists and Technicians pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
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The data on Veterinary Technologists and Technicians shows 2 measurable strengths and 1 real trade-offs. All points are drawn from BLS wage data, employment projections, and IPEDS program completions.
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