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Job outlook for registered veterinary technicians in the United States
Registered veterinary technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected registered veterinary technician job growth rate is 20% from 2018-2028.
About 24,100 new jobs for registered veterinary technicians are projected over the next decade.
Registered veterinary technician salaries have increased 12% for registered veterinary technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 101,384 registered veterinary technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 23,036 active registered veterinary technician job openings in the US.
The average registered veterinary technician salary is $40,204.
Are registered veterinary technician jobs in demand?
Registered veterinary technician job and salary trends over time
Registered veterinary technician jobs over time
Registered veterinary technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 101,384 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 93,541 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 94,532 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 91,140 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 88,364 | 0.03% |
Average registered veterinary technician salary over time
Registered veterinary technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $40,204 | $19.33 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $39,162 | $18.83 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $38,164 | $18.35 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $37,033 | $17.80 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $36,024 | $17.32 | +2.2% |
Registered veterinary technician jobs by state
Most common states for registered veterinary technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 98 | 13% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 626 | 11% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 106 | 11% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 689 | 10% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 129 | 10% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 61 | 10% |
| 7 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 333 | 9% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 122 | 9% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 241 | 8% |
| 10 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,490 | 7% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 710 | 7% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 630 | 7% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 414 | 7% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 390 | 7% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 72 | 7% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 435 | 6% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 418 | 6% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 355 | 6% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 106 | 6% |
| 20 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 103 | 6% |
Most common cities for registered veterinary technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frederick | 3 | 4% | $47,342 |
| 2 | College Park | 1 | 3% | $47,363 |
| 3 | Crown Point | 1 | 3% | $35,857 |
| 4 | Duluth | 1 | 3% | $31,489 |
| 5 | Charleston | 1 | 2% | $38,001 |
| 6 | Asheville | 1 | 1% | $34,511 |
| 7 | Berkeley | 1 | 1% | $51,658 |
| 8 | Concord | 1 | 1% | $34,396 |
| 9 | Charlotte | 3 | 0% | $34,350 |
| 10 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $50,342 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $51,385 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $31,477 |
| 13 | Cincinnati | 1 | 0% | $32,885 |
| 14 | Durham | 1 | 0% | $34,837 |
Registered Veterinary Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of registered veterinary technician experts
Kansas State University
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Registered 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 Registered 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 Registered 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.