As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Veterinary Technician in the United States is $47,291 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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 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 Veterinary Technician | $45,907 |
| Intermediate Level Veterinary Technician | $46,163 |
| Senior Level Veterinary Technician | $46,932 |
| Specialist Level Veterinary Technician | $49,230 |
| Expert Level Veterinary Technician | $50,375 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Veterinary Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 7.46% |
| Animal Care | 3.48% |
| Nursing Care | 2.39% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Internal Medicine
|
$69,518 |
47%
|
|
Critical Care
|
$68,099 |
44%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$58,641 |
24%
|
|
Anesthesia
|
$56,276 |
19%
|
Understanding how a 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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a 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 Veterinary Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $50,038 |
| 2024 | $49,982 |
| 2025 | $49,565 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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A Veterinary Technician's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Veterinary Technician earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Veterinary Technician is $59,648.
The highest pay for Veterinary Technician is $58,570.
The lowest pay for Veterinary Technician is $40,729.
Assists veterinarian with exams, surgeries, and first aid. Collects and documents case history and treatment details. Monitors vital signs and condition of animals being treated and provides nursing care. Instructs pet owners on how to administer medication and other animal care skills. Typically requires an associate degree. Requires certification and/or state license. Typically reports to a veterinarian. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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