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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Veterinary Technician in Virginia is $46,479 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Lead Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $51,561 | $4,297 | $992 | $25 |
| Average | $46,479 | $3,873 | $894 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,794 | $3,566 | $823 | $21 |
Banfield Pet Hospital - Pembroke, VA
Banfield Pet Hospital - Virginia Beach, VA
Mission Pet Health - Leesburg, VA
Phenom People - Winchester, VA
A Lead 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 Lead 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 Lead Veterinary Technician | $45,865 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $46,121 |
| Senior Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $46,888 |
| Specialist Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $49,184 |
| Expert Level Lead Veterinary Technician | $50,328 |
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 Lead Veterinary Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Lead 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, Lead Veterinary Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $60,423 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $55,775 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $51,127 | $25.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Lead 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 | $51,561 | $4,297 | $992 | $25 |
| Average | $46,479 | $3,873 | $894 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,794 | $3,566 | $823 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Veterinary Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
National Veterinary Association
Fredericksburg, VA
National Veterinary Association | Fredericksburg, VA
Job Posting. City: Fredericksburg. State: Virginia. Hospital Name: Ferry Farm Animal Clinic. Job Type: Veterinary Technician. Employment Type: Permanent more
6 Days Ago
Pantops Veterinary Hospital
Charlottesville, VA
Pantops Veterinary Hospital | Charlottesville, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits/Perks. Flexible Scheduling. Career Advancement Opportunities. Competitive Compensation. Fun Working Environment.... more
7 Days Ago
VCA Animal Hospitals
Newport News, VA
VCA Animal Hospitals | Newport News, VA
Veterinary Technician. Location: 12620 Nettles Dr, Newport News, VA 23606. Compensation: The pay range for this position is $21-$26/hr. About Us. VCA Boule... more
7 Days Ago
Community Veterinary Partners
Woodbridge, VA
Community Veterinary Partners | Woodbridge, VA
Licensed Veterinary Technician. Crossroads Animal Care Center | Woodbridge, VA. Compensation: $25$35/hour depending on experience Up to $3K bonus available... more
7 Days Ago
The Castro Animal Hospital, Inc.
Milford, VA
The Castro Animal Hospital, Inc. | Milford, VA
Join Our Team. We're Hiring a Licensed Veterinary Technician or Experienced Veterinary Assistant. Role: Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) or Experienced... more
8 Days Ago
National Veterinary Association
Staunton, VA
National Veterinary Association | Staunton, VA
Job Posting. City: Staunton. State: Virginia. Hospital Name: Augusta Valley Animal Hospital. Job Type: Veterinary Technician more
9 Days Ago
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