Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for licensed veterinary technicians in the United States
Licensed veterinary technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected licensed veterinary technician job growth rate is 20% from 2018-2028.
About 24,100 new jobs for licensed veterinary technicians are projected over the next decade.
Licensed veterinary technician salaries have increased 12% for licensed veterinary technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 101,737 licensed veterinary technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 29,983 active licensed veterinary technician job openings in the US.
The average licensed veterinary technician salary is $40,369.
Are licensed veterinary technician jobs in demand?
Licensed veterinary technician job and salary trends over time
Licensed veterinary technician jobs over time
Licensed veterinary technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 101,737 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 93,867 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 94,861 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 91,458 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 88,671 | 0.03% |
Average licensed veterinary technician salary over time
Licensed veterinary technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $40,369 | $19.41 | +2.7% |
| 2025 | $39,322 | $18.91 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $38,321 | $18.42 | +3.1% |
| 2023 | $37,185 | $17.88 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $36,172 | $17.39 | +2.2% |
Licensed veterinary technician jobs by state
Most common states for licensed veterinary technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | 961,939 | 286 | 30% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,510 | 27% |
| 3 | Alaska | 739,795 | 190 | 26% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 722 | 23% |
| 5 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 668 | 23% |
| 6 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 425 | 22% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 167 | 22% |
| 8 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,095 | 20% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,498 | 20% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,249 | 20% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,119 | 20% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 804 | 19% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,264 | 18% |
| 14 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,683 | 17% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,002 | 17% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,124 | 16% |
| 17 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 793 | 16% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 333 | 16% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 211 | 16% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 164 | 16% |
Most common cities for licensed veterinary technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oceanside | 2 | 6% | $45,729 |
| 2 | Anderson | 1 | 4% | $34,955 |
| 3 | Flower Mound | 2 | 3% | $34,759 |
| 4 | Birmingham | 2 | 1% | $36,940 |
| 5 | Ann Arbor | 1 | 1% | $35,498 |
| 6 | Denton | 1 | 1% | $34,716 |
| 7 | Eugene | 1 | 1% | $47,109 |
| 8 | Fort Smith | 1 | 1% | $30,539 |
| 9 | Chesapeake | 1 | 0% | $43,657 |
Licensed Veterinary Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of licensed veterinary technician experts
Stanford University
North Carolina State University
Andrews University
Kansas State University
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
Animal Hospital of Towne Lake and Cat Clinic of Woodstock
Oklahoma State University
ZAA - Zoological Association of America
Pennsylvania State University
Colorado State University
University of Wisconsin
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD
PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINEStanford University
Veterinary Biomedical And Clinical Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Licensed Veterinary Technician?
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD: In addition to everything scientific and technical that they learn in vet school, they will need to have good people skills, patience and understanding (pet owners may not be able to afford to treat their animals and this can be stressful for vets), therefore a creative mind - especially if there are alternative ways to treat an animal if the proposed treatment is beyond the owner's reach. A vet must have a strong work ethic, be willing to work in a team, should be willing to give back (ie - volunteer to work with the homeless community's pets), be a lifelong learner (vets must attend continuing education to maintain their licenses). And the passion to still want to work as a veterinarian, despite the fact that they most likely have tremendous debt due to the outrageous tuition costs of veterinary school, and this debt will impact their lives for decades after graduation. Since veterinarians in general will never make the salary that MDs do, this potential financial burden can lead many young people to decide against going to vet school in the 1st place.
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Teaching, Animal Science, Faculty Senate RepresentativeNorth Carolina State University
Animal Science Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Licensed Veterinary Technicians?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: My top 5 hard skills would be: Degree earned - for future vets, the DVM is obvious, but MS degrees in subject matter such as nutrition can be very important as well, computer skills, technology skills (specific to the veterinary field), management and writing skills.
What skills will help Licensed Veterinary Technicians earn the most?
Kimberly Ange-van Heugten Ph.D.: It is currently a wonderful time to pursue a career in animal health or veterinary medicine. During the pandemic, many people both acquired new animals and strengthened their bonds with existing ones. Thus - the need for more animal products (food, medicines, etc.) and care providers (veterinarians, kennels, groomers, etc.) is booming. The salary for these positions has historically been lower than most professionals would expect, but the market is currently doing very well. However, animal work can be long, physically, and emotionally straining hours. Thus - earning the most may not always be a financial question. Balancing financial needs with personal life is important. The skills that help you earn the most will help you gain the position that allows you to balance this. Thus - do not say yes to the first job you are offered. Shop around. Think about it. Is the job a good long-term fit? If the hiring person feels you are the best fit (via your personal presentation and social skills along with your academic and work record), then they are going to be willing to pay more if they think you will stick around long term. Many "animal people" do not practice human social skills. I encourage them to do that. When you find the perfect job for you - you need to be able to convince the person doing the hiring that you are the best fit. Also - while some veterinary jobs are common place (companion animal vets, for example, are in almost every town) - some veterinary positions are much more difficult to acquire and therefore require flexibility to get that high-earning job. An example would be someone that is willing to move several states away to work with beef cattle animal health with feedlot animals or train military dogs.
Jay Brand Ph.D.
Professor of Leadership, Higher Education & Organizational StudiesAndrews University
Department of Leadership
What skills stand out on Licensed Veterinary Technician resumes?
Jay Brand Ph.D.: I can tell you from personal contact that those who truly empathize with their patients and the human 'owners' impress me the most and retain my loyalty.
Customer service and people engagement skills - in addition to technical veterinary medicine skills - can be differentiating.
Broad knowledge of general health and flourishing (e.g., optimal nutrition) in addition to diagnosing and treating disease conditions can also highlight one's resume.
What skills will help Licensed Veterinary Technicians earn the most?
Jay Brand Ph.D.: Earnings potential probably relates more to practice location (e.g., upscale retirement and/or urban locales) and practice specialties (e.g., thorough bred horse racing) than to entries on one's resume; however, again, a broad knowledge across many domesticated species and a knowledge of healthy thriving in addition to treatment for illness would open more doors than a narrow specialty.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Licensed Veterinary Technicians to find work opportunities?
Dr. James Roush: Veterinary medicine is spread widely across the United States and graduates currently can find work in almost any geographic location they desire. There are, of course, more jobs near large population centers, but almost every area has a demand for new graduates right now.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed Veterinary Technician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Roush: Nationwide, there has been a substantial increase in demand for veterinary services because of the pandemic, particularly in mixed and small animal practices. Clients are seeking out more care for their pets than ever, perhaps because they are spending more time with their pets and seek better care. Veterinary practices are hiring at a frantic pace and there is a huge demand for new graduates this year. We also are seeing a demand for more advanced techniques and treatments on top of requests to refer to specialists in surgery, oncology, and other disciplines.
What skills stand out on Licensed Veterinary Technician resumes?
Dr. James Roush: Experience in veterinary practices from externships, preceptorships, and other opportunities, and b) evidence of focused study in areas that the employer is seeking help for. That focus depends on the practice, but can include experience or advanced education with exotic pets, avian patients, or feline medicine for example, or in disciplines such as dentistry, dermatology, and oncology. Veterinary employers want to see evidence that prospective employees are able to bring advanced skills to the practice and attract new patients.
What skills stand out on Licensed Veterinary Technician resumes?
Dr. Rick DeBowes: Things that pop on a resume would start with the candidate sharing their core value statement (who they are and what they stand for), providing evidence that they made a significant difference in previous positions (helped to develop and lead a change in protocol, solved problems, developed innovations or new approaches to the work), and listing documented evidence of education in clinical communication (primarily hands-on with simulated clients), business/practice management education and working fluency in a second language (Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese depending on area demographic needs). Having a letter of support from a colleague, teacher, or former employer that speaks directly to a candidate's character and work ethic is always a great addition to one's application!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Licensed Veterinary Technicians to find work opportunities?
Dr. Rick DeBowes: In talking with colleagues around the country, it seems as if everyone is seeking associates for their practices. Colleagues who teach practice management have reported similar observations. Rural or isolated areas might have fewer opportunities, primarily because more irregular patterns are located in such regions. Nevertheless, it seems that every year I work with several graduates who secure offers to 'return home' to a rural environment and practice medicine in those small communities that helped raise them. At present, it seems that nearly everyone who wants a clinical practice position, in most areas of the country, is finding and receiving more offers than they can accept.
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.
Professor of History, Director, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies ProgramSeattle University
History Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed Veterinary Technician job market given the pandemic?
Theresa Earenfight Ph.D.: The future looks excellent for positions in clinical medicine. People appear to be adding pets to their families at unprecedented rates. With so many individuals working from home, they spend more time with their furry family members and make observations of those pets, driving more owners to seek veterinary care or direction. Practices are hectic, and I hear of more and more emergency clinics asking referring veterinary practices to hold onto every patient they can. New graduates are being offered handsome salaries, most with production opportunities, pre-tax benefits, and relocation allowances, along with signing and retention bonuses.
What skills stand out on Licensed Veterinary Technician resumes?
Peggy Root Kustritz DVM, PhD, MMedEd: Communications! This is always the skill set that alumni report was of greatest value to them as a new veterinarian, and the need for clear communication is heightened by the provision of service through indirect forms of communication, such as talking to clients on the phone or via text or email, instead of face-to-face and providing telemedicine. Other skills that everyone badly needs right now are teamwork (especially the ability to communicate clearly within teams) and adaptability. I know that veterinary graduates like to stress the coursework they've done, but every graduate of an AVMA-COE accredited school is a great student and has to have demonstrated knowledge and specific clinical competencies to finish their training. It is the 'softer' skills that set candidates apart.
Jamie Rauscher RVT
Medical ManagerAnimal Hospital of Towne Lake and Cat Clinic of Woodstock
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Licensed Veterinary Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Jamie Rauscher RVT: Veterinary medicine has changed tremendously over the past few months due to Covid. We are now embracing the age of texting and apps to communicate with our clients as well as telemedicine to help us complete exams from afar. With not knowing how the next few months will be in our field, due to this pandemic, one has to embrace this new technology and become competent in using it to succeed.
How do you envision technology impacting Licensed Veterinary Technicians in the next 5 years?
Clint Rusk: Technology has been impacting the job market for many years. In the next five years, technological advances will continue at an even faster pace. Fortunately, nearly all of our recent graduates have been exposed to technology through their phones, computers, cars, etc., for as long as they can remember. I believe our graduates who are well adapted to technology and can use it to solve problems, increase efficiency, and improve a company's bottom line will have an advantage in the job market.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed Veterinary Technician job market given the pandemic?
John Seyjagat: The pandemic has a devastating impact on zoological facilities and is subjecting these institutions to a change in operations. Additionally, public pressure due to public perception and harmful legislation will also have an impact on facilities. Facilities have had to maintain social distancing. To do so, facilities have reduced visitation to less than 50% capacity, closed all exhibit buildings, and discontinued public gatherings and education and conservation talks. Animal Outreach Programs have also been suspended.
As a result of the pandemic, we can see some facilities reducing operating costs, and cutting back on programs, reducing their workforce and education staff. Local, state, and federal legislators are all jockeying to pass bans on wet markets, wildlife trade, and movement to prevent zoonotic disease transmission and a second pandemic. Should such bans become effective, there would be a further reduction in zoos and aquarium deliverables to their guests. Such a trend would adversely affect zoo and wildlife careers and the zoological job market.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Licensed Veterinary Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
John Seyjagat: Digitalization! Most of the education deliverables would be virtual. We would see an increase in webinars, recorded subject matter, and virtual tours. He who can take digitalization and bring it to life with content, uniqueness, action, drama, and storytelling would succeed.
What type of skills will young Licensed Veterinary Technicians need?
Dr. Adrian Barragan DVM, MS, PhD: Veterinary medicine has always been considered an essential activity for its importance in both keeping pets healthy and ensuring that food producing operations achieve optimal animal welfare and production standards. This is even more important in times such as those experienced during the current pandemic. Young graduates need to develop a set of skills that allow them to understand the pathophysiological processes of diseases and proper care for sick animals, but also effective communicational skills for conveying sensitive information to pet owners. Furthermore, young graduates aiming at pursuing a career in food producing animal medicine must develop an overall understanding of the industry trends and needs in order to better serve farmers. The veterinary medicine field in food production animals has evolved from an individual disease treatment approach to a population preventive medicine approach. Although young veterinarians must be knowledgeable about disease diagnostics and treatments, focus should be aimed at understanding and coaching animal owners about developing optimal management practices to prevent diseases, while improving animal welfare and performance.
What type of skills will young Licensed Veterinary Technicians need?
Dr. Keith Belk: I would list the following skills: work ethic, strong scientific, technical training, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills.
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom
Professor and Extension Wildlife SpecialistUniversity of Wisconsin
Center for Wildlife
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Licensed Veterinary Technicians?
Dr. Scott Hygnstrom: What single thing has had the greatest impact on your life in the last day, week, month, even year? Most of us will say the coronavirus pandemic. I believe that it is safe to say that the pandemic will have an enduring impact on graduates as well, as they move out into the workforce. The impacts will be both positive and negative. Many employers of wildlife graduates have laid off personnel and put monitoring, research, and educational programs on hold until health concerns with the pandemic wane.
Because of the falling economy, budgets for state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private businesses have been cut significantly, so they likely won't have the resources to hire staff in the short term. Wildlife work needs to be done, however, to satisfy the demands of the American public, so I am confident that in time, jobs will be available for recent graduates to fill entry-level positions to help with the backlog of work that needs to be done.