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The differences between associate veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an associate veterinarian, becoming a licensed veterinary technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an associate veterinarian has an average salary of $78,407, which is higher than the $40,369 average annual salary of a licensed veterinary technician.
The top three skills for an associate veterinarian include PET, patients and private practice. The most important skills for a licensed veterinary technician are PET, patients, and anesthesia.
| Associate Veterinarian | Licensed Veterinary Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $78,407 | $40,369 |
| Hourly rate | $37.70 | $19.41 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 13,071 | 29,983 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 44 | 32 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 12 |
An associate veterinarian specializes in providing medical care and treatment to animals. One may work part-time or full-time at a veterinary clinic, together with practice owners, assistants, and veterinary technicians. An associate veterinarian's responsibilities primarily revolve around examining animals to diagnose any injuries or diseases, performing surgeries, and administering or prescribing medication. Other responsibilities include discussing the pets' condition to owners, ensuring to relay the necessary care and welfare advice needed during treatment, or after surgery. Moreover, an associate veterinarian may also euthanize, spay, neuter, and even perform dental procedures to animals.
A licensed veterinary technician serves as the assistant of the veterinarian who is responsible for doing clinical work inside a clinic or a veterinary hospital. They monitor and observe the current health situation of an animal and also give them first aid when needed. They are also tasked to collect specimens and conduct different laboratory tests, then give it to the veterinarian to determine the pet's health condition. Vet techs can also perform vaccination or prepare sick animals for tests or surgery.
Associate veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Veterinarian | Licensed Veterinary Technician | |
| Average salary | $78,407 | $40,369 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $149,000 | Between $31,000 And $52,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Diego, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Providence Hospital | Zoetis |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an associate veterinarian and a licensed veterinary technician in terms of educational background:
| Associate Veterinarian | Licensed Veterinary Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Associate Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Veterinary Medicine | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | University of Virginia |
Here are the differences between associate veterinarians' and licensed veterinary technicians' demographics:
| Associate Veterinarian | Licensed Veterinary Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 32 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0% | Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 4.9% White, 83.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 2.1% White, 77.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 15% | 9% |