Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses.
Is veterinary technologists and technicians a good career?
It scores 23/100 and ranks #247 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+9.1% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($47,380 vs $61,390)
What veterinary technologists and technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. veterinary technologists and technicians earn between $38,910 and $57,650 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live veterinary technologists and technicians jobs
No live veterinary technologists and technicians openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified veterinary technologists and technicians openings will appear here — each shown against the $47,380 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Veterinary technologists usually have a 4-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology. Veterinary technicians usually have a 2-year associate’s degree in a veterinary technology program. Most of these programs offer a 2-year associate’s degree for veterinary technicians; others offer a 4-year bachelor’s degree for veterinary technologists.
People interested in becoming a veterinary technologist or technician can prepare by taking biology and other science courses in high school.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Although each state regulates veterinary technologists and technicians differently, most states require technologists and technicians to pass an exam.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Veterinary technologists and technicians communicate with supervisors, other staff, and animal owners. A growing number of technicians counsel pet owners on animal behavior and nutrition.
Compassion. Veterinary technologists and technicians must treat animals with kindness and must be sensitive when dealing with the owners of sick pets.
Detail oriented. Veterinary technologists and technicians must pay attention to detail. They must be precise when recording information, performing diagnostic tests, and administering medication.
Manual dexterity. Veterinary technologists and technicians must handle animals, medical instruments, and laboratory equipment with care. They need a steady hand for intricate tasks such as doing dental work, giving anesthesia, and taking x rays.
Physical strength. Veterinary technologists and technicians need to be able to manage and lift animals.
Related occupations
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make?
The national median wage is $47,380 a year, with the middle half earning between $38,910 and $57,650 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is veterinary technologists and technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 23 of 100 and ranks #247 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +9.1% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a veterinary technologists and technician?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do veterinary technologists and technicians earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($61,270). Local pay for every state and metro is below.