How Much Does A Vet Tech Make in 2025? A Comprehensive Guide

How Much Does A Vet Tech Make in 2025? A Comprehensive Guide

If you are an animal lover, turning that passion into a career can be incredibly rewarding. Becoming a vet tech might be the right path for you. As a veterinary technician, you will help veterinarians care for sick or injured animals and handle tasks like collecting blood samples, running tests, and getting exam rooms ready.

Your daily duties may change depending on the clinic or animal hospital you work for. While helping animals feels like a dream job, it’s also important to know what kind of pay to expect. In this article, I will explore the big question: How much does a vet tech make in 2025?

Understanding the Role of a Vet Tech

Before diving into salary details, it's essential to understand what a vet tech does. Vet techs perform various tasks, including:

●     Assisting in surgeries

●     Administering medications

●     Conducting lab tests

●     Taking X-rays

●     Educating pet owners about animal care

Their work is vital in ensuring that animals receive proper treatment and care.

How Much Does A Vet Tech Make?

In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that vet techs earned an average of $44,040 a year, which equals about $21.18 per hour. The BLS updates its numbers every May, so the data may be a bit behind.

However, ZipRecruiter, which gathers real-time info from job listings, showed a slightly higher average wage of $21.70 per hour as of April 14, 2025. That means both sources offer similar pay ranges. Compared to 2022, the average vet tech salary went up by $3,270 in 2023. Hourly pay also rose by $1.58, up from 2022’s average of $19.60 per hour. These values are according to BLS.

How Much Do Vet Technicians Make Each Hour?

Vet techs usually earn between $14 and $25 per hour, depending on their skills and where they work. With more training and hands-on experience, the hourly pay can go up. Techs who focus on areas like anesthesia, emergency care, or lab testing often make more because of their specialized knowledge.

The type of employer also affects pay. Private clinics, research centers, and emergency hospitals may offer higher wages and better benefits. Some techs working in public health or government jobs may also earn more and receive extra perks.

Vet Tech Salary by State

Where you live can make a big difference in how much you earn. States with higher living costs usually offer higher pay. Here are some examples:

Highest Paying States for Vet Techs

Lower Paying States for Vet Techs

So, if salary is a big factor for you, it might be worth considering a move to a higher-paying state.

Factors Influencing Vet Tech Salaries

●     Education and Training Matter: Getting an associate degree in veterinary technology can help you start with a better salary. Employers often pay more to vet techs who have formal education and hands-on training.

●     Location: The state or city where a vet tech works can greatly impact their salary. For instance, vet techs in urban areas or states with a higher cost of living, like California or New York, tend to earn more than those in rural areas.

●     Experience: Like many professions, experience plays a crucial role in determining salary. Entry-level vet techs may start at around $30,000, while those with several years of experience can earn upwards of $50,000 or more.

●     Specialization: Vet techs can choose to specialize in areas such as emergency care, dental care, or anesthesia. Specializing often leads to higher pay due to the additional skills and knowledge required.

●     Type of Employer: Vet techs can work in various settings, including private clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, and zoos. Those employed in specialty clinics or research facilities may earn higher salaries compared to those in general practice.

Is It a Good Career Choice?

While vet techs may not earn as much as some healthcare workers, the job comes with other rewards. If you love animals and want a meaningful job, it’s a great path to consider.

Pros of Being a Vet Tech

●     Work with animals every day

●     Make a real difference in their lives

●     Strong job growth (10% projected through 2032)

●     Opportunities for certification and advancement

Cons to Keep in Mind

●     Physically demanding

●     Emotionally challenging (especially in tough cases)

●     Lower starting pay compared to some fields

How Can You Increase Your Vet Tech Salary?

If you’re looking to boost your pay as a vet tech, there are several things you can do:

1.    Get Certified

Becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) can help you stand out. Certification often leads to better job offers and higher pay.

2.    Specialize

Vet techs can choose to specialize in certain areas, such as:

●     Dentistry

●     Anesthesia

●     Internal Medicine

●     Emergency & Critical Care

These specialties often come with higher salaries because they require extra training and skill.

3.    Gain More Experience

The longer you stay in the field, the more valuable you become. With time, you may be promoted to lead tech or supervisor roles.

4.    Work in Emergency or Specialty Clinics

These places usually pay more due to the fast pace and need for advanced skills.

5.    Move to a Higher-Paying State

If you’re flexible about location, moving to a state like California or New York could give your paycheck a boost.

Job Outlook for Vet Techs

The job outlook for veterinary technicians is promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for vet techs is expected to grow by 19% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increasing pet population and a growing awareness of animal health.

Advantages Beyond Salary

While salary is an important factor, it’s also essential to consider the benefits that come with being a vet tech. Many employers offer:

●     Health insurance

●     Retirement plans

●     Paid time off

●     Continuing education opportunities

These benefits can add significant value to a vet tech's overall compensation package.

Closing Remarks

So, how much does a vet tech make? On average, around $40,000 a year, but that number can go higher depending on your location, experience, workplace, and certifications.

It’s not the highest-paying career, but it offers something priceless: the chance to work with animals, make a difference, and find purpose in your day-to-day life. With dedication and smart choices, you can build a stable and rewarding career as a vet tech.