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The differences between associate veterinarians and 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 veterinary technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, an associate veterinarian has an average salary of $78,407, which is higher than the $38,441 average annual salary of a veterinary technician.
The top three skills for an associate veterinarian include PET, patients and private practice. The most important skills for a veterinary technician are PET, patients, and anesthesia.
| Associate Veterinarian | Veterinary Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $78,407 | $38,441 |
| Hourly rate | $37.70 | $18.48 |
| Growth rate | 19% | 20% |
| Number of jobs | 13,071 | 41,022 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| 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 Veterinary Technician, also known as Vet Tech, specializes in performing laboratory tasks and providing immediate and necessary care to animals in a Hospital Clinic or Research Facility under the supervision of a Veterinarian. Moreover, a Veterinary Technician is in charge of administering medicines or treatments, gathering samples such as blood and urine for analysis, monitoring a patient's condition and learning its history, and conducting hygienic procedures such as dental and welfare. There also instances where a Veterinary Technician must communicate with pet owners, sharing extensive knowledge on how to take better care of them.
Associate veterinarians and veterinary technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Associate Veterinarian | Veterinary Technician | |
| Average salary | $78,407 | $38,441 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $149,000 | Between $30,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Rafael, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Mexico | California |
| Best paying company | Providence Hospital | Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute |
| Best paying industry | Professional | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an associate veterinarian and a veterinary technician in terms of educational background:
| Associate Veterinarian | Veterinary Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 47% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Veterinary Medicine | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | University of Georgia | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between associate veterinarians' and veterinary technicians' demographics:
| Associate Veterinarian | Veterinary Technician | |
| Average age | 44 | 32 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.0% Female, 72.0% | Male, 17.8% Female, 82.2% |
| 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% |