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:
Certified Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 7.46% |
| Animal Care | 3.48% |
| Nursing Care | 2.39% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine | $69,678 | |
| Critical Care | $68,256 | |
| Patient Care | $58,776 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
Salaries for a Certified Veterinary Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $50,038 in 2023 to around $49,565 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Veterinary Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $50,038 |
| 2024 | $49,982 |
| 2025 | $49,565 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Certified Veterinary Technician roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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