Certified Veterinary Technician Salary in the United States

How much does a Certified Veterinary Technician make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Veterinary Technician in the United States is $47,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

However, a Certified Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $58,672
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,900 to $53,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,713

Key Factors That Influence Certified Veterinary Technician Salaries

A Certified Veterinary Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Certified Veterinary Technician Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Veterinary Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $45,990
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,251
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,034
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $49,337
  • Expert (over 8 years): $50,482
Levels Salary
Entry Level Certified Veterinary Technician$45,990
Intermediate Level Certified Veterinary Technician$46,251
Senior Level Certified Veterinary Technician$47,034
Specialist Level Certified Veterinary Technician$49,337
Expert Level Certified Veterinary Technician$50,482

Top Paying Cities for Certified Veterinary Technicians

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $59,700
  • San Francisco: $59,100
  • Oakland: $57,800

What Skills Can Increase a Certified Veterinary Technician's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 7.46% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Animal Care (Mentioned in 3.48% Job Postings): Providing animals' physical and mental needs to protect their welfare by treating them all with care.
  • Nursing Care (Mentioned in 2.39% Job Postings): Nursing Care means assistance provided for the health care needs of sick or disabled individuals, by or under the direction of licensed nursing personnel.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 7.46%
Animal Care 3.48%
Nursing Care 2.39%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Certified Veterinary Technician's salary.

  • Internal Medicine: Can increase your salary by up to 47%.
  • Critical Care: Can increase your salary by up to 44%.
  • Patient Care: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Internal Medicine $69,678
47%
Critical Care $68,256
44%
Patient Care $58,776
24%

Certified Veterinary Technician Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Certified Veterinary Technician salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $51,954. While startup companies pay approximate $44,030.

Certified Veterinary Technician Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $44,030
Growth Stage 51~500 $46,543
Established 501~5000 $50,190
Enterprise 5000+ $51,954

Certified Veterinary Technician Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Certified Veterinary Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Hospitality & Leisure sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Certified Veterinary Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Certified Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Certified Veterinary Technician

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$61,620$30.030%
Hospitality & Leisure$56,880$27.020%
Healthcare$52,140$25.010%

Certified Veterinary Technician Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Certified Veterinary Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$43,900
Average $47,400/year
$53,300
$3,658
Average $3,950/month
$4,442
$844
Average $912/week
$1,025
$21
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,300 $4,442 $1,025 $26
Average $47,400 $3,950 $912 $23
25th Percentile $43,900 $3,658 $844 $21

Most common benefits for Certified Veterinary Technician

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Certified Veterinary Technician

Here are companies hiring for Certified Veterinary Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Certified Veterinary Technician

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Certified Veterinary Technician?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Veterinary Technician roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paid veterinary technician?

The highest paid Certified Veterinary Technicians can earn up to $47,900 annually. The salary range for this profession typically starts at a minimum of $33,900, with a median salary around $40,300. This reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field.

3. How to make 6 figures as a vet tech?

To make six figures as a vet tech, consider specializing in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care or anesthesiology. While the average salary ranges from $33,900 to $47,900, advanced certifications and experience can lead to significantly higher earnings. Continuous education and skill enhancement are key to maximizing your income potential.

4. Is vet school longer than med school?

Veterinary school typically takes four years to complete, similar to medical school, which also generally lasts four years. However, the path to becoming a veterinarian may include additional undergraduate coursework. After graduation, Certified Veterinary Technicians can expect salaries ranging from $33,900 to $47,900, with a median salary of $40,300.

5. Which pays more vet tech or vet assistant?

The financial compensation for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants reflects their education, training, and scope of responsibilities. On average, veterinary technicians earn between $33,900 and $47,900, with a median salary of $40,300. This is generally higher than veterinary assistants, who typically earn less due to their different levels of training and responsibilities.

6. How much do vet techs make an hour?

Certified Veterinary Technicians typically earn between $16.27 and $23.06 per hour, based on a salary range of $33,900 to $47,900 annually. The median hourly wage is approximately $19.37. Salaries can vary by state, with some regions offering higher pay due to demand and cost of living.

7. How long is vet tech school in USA?

Vet tech school in the USA typically takes 2 to 4 years to complete, offering either an Associate or Bachelor's degree. The duration depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time. After graduation, Certified Veterinary Technicians can expect salaries ranging from $33,900 to $47,900, with a median salary of $40,300. Choose a program that fits your career goals.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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