Veterinary technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 29-2056Also known as:
Animal Care Technician (Animal Care Tech), Animal Health Technician (Animal Health Tech), Animal Technician (Animal Tech), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Emergency Veterinary Technician (Emergency Vet Tech)
Median Annual Salary
$45,980
+9.1% growth (2024-2034)
14K
Openings/Year
134K
Current Jobs
What Veterinary technologists and technicians Do
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.
💰 Salary
$45,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+9.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
14K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
134,200
Projected Employment (2034)
146,400
Related Careers
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Surgical technologists
$62,830 •
+4.5% growth
Surgical assistants
$60,290 •
+5.1% growth
Medical assistants
$44,200 •
+12.5% growth
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320 •
+8.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
- Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
- Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
- Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.
- Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Veterinary technologists and technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a veterinary technologists and technicians:
Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant
9,026 degrees awarded •
273 colleges offer this program
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians, Other
25 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Veterinary technologists and technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become veterinary technologists and technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make?
The median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $45,980.
What education do veterinary technologists and technicians need?
Most veterinary technologists and technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians, Other.
Is becoming veterinary technologists and technicians a good career choice?
Veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to see +9.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 14,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for veterinary technologists and technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians include
Purdue University-Main Campus, Mid-America Technology Center, Moore Norman Technology Center, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, Dallas College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to veterinary technologists and technicians?
Veterinary technologists and technicians may also be known as: Animal Care Technician (Animal Care Tech), Animal Health Technician (Animal Health Tech), Animal Technician (Animal Tech), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Emergency Veterinary Technician (Emergency Vet Tech), Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician (Internal Medicine Vet Tech), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Swine Technician (Swine Tech), Veterinarian Lab Technician (Veterinary Lab Tech), Veterinarian Technician (Vet Tech), Veterinary Assistant (Vet Assistant), Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Vet Lab Tech), Veterinary Nurse (Vet Nurse), Veterinary Surgery Technician (Vet Surgery Tech), Veterinary Surgery Technologist (Vet Surgery Technologist), Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech), Veterinary Technologist, Veterinary X-Ray Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.