Veterinary Technician Salary & Outlook: 2021 Data & 2024 Context

Note: Latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data is from May 2023 (published 2024). The 2021 AVMA figures below are outdated but show trends.

BLS May 2023 National Data (Veterinary Technologists & Technicians)

• Median annual wage: $43,740 ($21.03/hr)
• 10th percentile: $30,180
• 90th percentile: $59,310
• Top-paying states: District of Columbia ($55,740), Washington ($53,780), Alaska ($52,210), Massachusetts ($51,090), New York ($50,580)

2021 AVMA Reference (Historical)

• Median: $38,820
• Top 10%: >$55,330
• Bottom 10%: <$29,300

Salary Influencers

• Credentialing: LVT/RVT/CVT (licensed/registered/certified) earn 10–20% more than uncredentialed assistants.
• Specialty certification (VTS): Anesthesia, dentistry, ECC, internal medicine – significant premium.
• Practice type: Specialty/referral > emergency > general practice > shelter/nonprofit.
• Geography: Urban/coastal > rural; but cost-of-living adjusted.
• Experience: 5+ years → senior/lead roles with higher pay.

Benefits (Common)

• Health/dental/vision insurance.
• CE allowance ($500–$2,000/yr).
• Uniform allowance.
• Pet care discounts.
• 401(k) match (variable).

Job Outlook

• BLS projects 20% growth 2022–2032 (much faster than average).
• Drivers: pet ownership growth, advanced veterinary medicine, technician utilization expansion.

Credentialing and specialization are the strongest levers for income growth.