Most Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians programs take two years to complete. Graduates start earning $36,814 right after finishing, climbing to $44,115 four years out.
About Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians is a focused area of study within Agriculture. Graduates typically earn around $44,115 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. The program is available at 292 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 8,257 students complete this program each year, most earning a associate's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$36,814
Median Earnings · 4yr
$44,115
Colleges Offering
292
Graduates / Year
8,257
Avg Net Price / yr
$18,627
How Much Do Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Graduates Earn?
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates earn $44,115 four years out, significantly below average for bachelor's degree holders. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,938 and $57,581.
$36,814
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings in this field tend to be stable early on. Expect the four-year median to closely reflect your long-term starting point.
$44,115
4-Year National Median
Significantly below average. Graduate credentials or high-demand roles can raise this considerably.
$41,690
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.
$34,93825th pct.
$44,115Median
$57,58175th pct.
Understanding the Cost vs. Return
At median 4-year earnings of $44,115 and an estimated $74,508 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 5.3 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.
Based on outcomes from 30 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 8,257 students who complete Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians programs each year, the majority (71%) earn a associate's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
22%71%
Associate's71%
Certificate22%
Bachelor's7%
What Can You Do With a Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Degree?
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians connects to 2 occupations in the job market. Health Specialties Teachers leads at $107,310/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingWriting
Day-to-day responsibilities
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.
Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
Top Colleges for Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians
The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Agriculture Programs
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians is one of 19 specializations within Agriculture. The comparison below shows where this program ranks by 4-year median earnings.
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Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Degree: Pros & Cons
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 2 strengths and 3 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.
PROS
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +17.3% over the next decade, with Health Specialties Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 41,700 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Below-average earningsFour-year median of $44,115 falls below the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a national median of $44,115 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,938 and $57,581. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians degree?
One year after graduation, Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians degree holders earn a median of $36,814. That climbs to $44,115 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians degree?
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians degree holders pursue careers including Health Specialties Teachers, which pays a median of $107,310/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians program take?
A Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians associate degree typically takes two years full-time at a community college. Many students transfer to a four-year university afterward to complete a bachelor's.
How many colleges offer Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians?
292 colleges and universities in the United States offer Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $44,115 and an average net price of roughly $18,627/yr, a Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians and Agriculture?
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians is a focused concentration within the broader Agriculture field. The Agriculture major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates?
Employers hiring Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
What is the job outlook for Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates?
The job outlook for Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +13.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Health Specialties Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +17.3%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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