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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Veterinary Technician in the United States is $45,053 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Head Veterinary Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Head Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $47,941 | $3,995 | $922 | $23 |
| Average | $45,053 | $3,754 | $866 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,091 | $3,424 | $790 | $20 |
Government Jobs - Columbus, OH
Alliance Animal Health - Columbus, OH
VCA Animal Hospitals - Columbus, OH
Darby Creek Veterinary Clinic - Columbus, OH
A Head 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 Head 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 Head Veterinary Technician | $44,118 |
| Intermediate Level Head Veterinary Technician | $44,778 |
| Senior Level Head Veterinary Technician | $46,094 |
| Specialist Level Head Veterinary Technician | $46,815 |
| Expert Level Head Veterinary Technician | $46,905 |
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 Head 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 Head Veterinary Technician roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Head Veterinary Technician positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Head Veterinary Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $49,558 | $24.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Head 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 | $47,941 | $3,995 | $922 | $23 |
| Average | $45,053 | $3,754 | $866 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,091 | $3,424 | $790 | $20 |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Head Veterinary Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head Veterinary Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Mission Pet Health
Columbus, OH
Mission Pet Health | Columbus, OH
Veterinary Technician Position at Bethel Animal Hospital. You are invited to join the highly respected team at Bethel Animal Hospital, where our mission is... more
9 Days Ago
Carevet
Columbus, OH
Carevet | Columbus, OH
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) CareVet of Columbus. Join a team committed to the highest standards of veterinary medicine. CareVet of Columbus is g... more
9 Days Ago
MedVet
Columbus, OH
MedVet | Columbus, OH
Critical Care Registered Veterinary Technician$3,000 Signing Bonus. MedVet is a fast-growing Emergency and Specialty provider with practices nationwide. We... more
7 Days Ago
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Ohio State University | Columbus, OH
Veterinary Care Technician 2 (RVT). The Veterinary Medical Center is seeking a skilled and motivated Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join the Spe... more
8 Days Ago
Heartland Veterinary Partners
Columbus, OH
Heartland Veterinary Partners | Columbus, OH
Practice. Suburban Animal Clinic has been a fixture within Columbus, OH since 1960. We offer the highest standard of care available. We strive to offer the... more
5 Days Ago
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
Ohio State University | Columbus, OH
Veterinary Care Technician 3 (RVT) - Equine/Farm Animal ICU. The Veterinary Medical Center within the College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Veterinary Car... more
7 Days Ago
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Head Veterinary Technician roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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