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Job outlook for veterinarian technicians in the United States
Veterinarian technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected veterinarian technician job growth rate is 20% from 2018-2028.
About 24,100 new jobs for veterinarian technicians are projected over the next decade.
Veterinarian technician salaries have increased 12% for veterinarian technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 95,897 veterinarian technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 37,898 active veterinarian technician job openings in the US.
The average veterinarian technician salary is $38,198.
Are veterinarian technician jobs in demand?
Veterinarian technician job and salary trends over time
Veterinarian technician jobs over time
Veterinarian technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 95,897 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 88,929 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 89,701 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 86,238 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 83,469 | 0.03% |
Average veterinarian technician salary over time
Veterinarian technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,198 | $18.36 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $37,208 | $17.89 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $36,259 | $17.43 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $35,185 | $16.92 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $34,226 | $16.45 | +2.2% |
Veterinarian technician jobs by state
Most common states for veterinarian technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 106 | 14% |
| 2 | Delaware | 961,939 | 114 | 12% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 607 | 11% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 701 | 10% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 140 | 10% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 129 | 10% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 65 | 10% |
| 8 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 333 | 9% |
| 9 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,575 | 8% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 661 | 8% |
| 11 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 244 | 8% |
| 12 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 765 | 7% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 523 | 7% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 520 | 7% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 433 | 7% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 407 | 7% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 218 | 7% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 74 | 7% |
| 19 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 367 | 6% |
| 20 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 256 | 6% |
Most common cities for veterinarian technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clearwater | 1 | 1% | $29,677 |
| 2 | Frederick | 1 | 1% | $45,378 |
| 3 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $37,159 |
Veterinarian Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of veterinarian technician experts
Ohio State University
Murray State University
Kansas State University
Montana State University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Veterinarian Technicians?
Marília Chiavegato Ph.D.: I do not think there will be an enduring impact. I believe the impacts were short-term and mainly related to delays on new job start and fewer opportunities due to company's hiring pauses and economic uncertainty.
Long-term impacts will likely be related to skills needed to face the constantly changing environment we are live on nowadays.
What type of skills will young Veterinarian Technicians need?
Marília Chiavegato Ph.D.: This year has shown us the importance of adaptability and collaboration. Young graduates will need to be creative in changing environments, adaptable to different scenarios and requirements, and motivated to find quick, simple solutions to small and big problems.
Collaborative personality is also key. The problems we face currently in the world are complex, they need different perspectives and approaches. In Animal Sciences specifically, graduates need to keep in mind the relationships between animals, plants, and especially the environment. It is important that young graduates are able to find reliable sources of information and avoid disseminating false concepts and generalizations. They need to understand that decisions regarding animals' management affect plants, water quality, soil quality, and the atmosphere. There are plenty of opportunities to use animals to preserve and enhance environmental sustainability.
Working in groups is essential. Being able to lead different people or groups is a big differential. The ability to lead diverse groups of people is indissociable from the ability to listen and engage respectfully, despite difference in opinions.
What experience really stands out on Veterinarian Technician resumes?
Marília Chiavegato Ph.D.: Leadership, collaborative, and interdisciplinary experiences show adaptability and ability to work in diverse groups.
Shea Porr Ph.D.
Department Head, Animal/Equine Science, Associate Professor, Equine ScienceMurray State University
Animal and Equine Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Veterinarian Technician job market given the pandemic?
Shea Porr Ph.D.: In the animal science area, I don't think we're going to see a lot of big changes. There are many opportunities that students are simply unaware of. People still need to eat, so opportunities in the food animal industries haven't diminished. Indeed, some industries are really hurting for qualified employees. We have a lot of students coming into the animal and equine science programs who have less and less experience with animals. They didn't grow up on a farm, and they really don't know what it takes to manage an animal operation, nor do they know what opportunities are available.
They usually know what a veterinarian does (at least relative to dogs and cats), but they don't know what meat science is all about. Maybe they took riding lessons during summer camp, but they have no idea what it means to manage all the horses at that camp. Maybe they want to be a vet, but they don't realize that there's more to being a vet than just general practice. There are state and federal veterinarians as well as those that work in places like the Breathitt Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Both veterinarians and animal scientists work in areas like nutrition, reproduction, and exercise physiology. Some animal scientists work in extension, such as with 4-H or FFA programs. Others teach and do research. I don't see any of that going away anytime soon.
What Veterinarian Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Shea Porr Ph.D.: Any of what are being commonly called "soft skills" would be very useful. This includes things like communication, both writing and speaking; problem solving, both in a team and as an individual; and the ability to prioritize and accomplish tasks in a timely manner. One of the best ways to do some of these is to get involved in an internship. Many of those pay, and they're often designed to help students get a better feel for that company's particular part of the industry. If they're working a job for that gap year, step into leadership positions, even if it's something like being a shift lead. Get involved with a community organization-don't just be a member, but participate and really get involved. Many of the skills that aren't directly related to working with or managing animals are highly valuable to any employer and you can work on those skills in nearly any setting.
What general advice would you give to a Veterinarian Technician?
Shea Porr Ph.D.: Watch and listen. There are a lot of things that are taught in the classroom that aren't necessarily the only way to do things. Different employers will have different experiences or situations, and though the concept may be the same, the delivery may not. Don't assume that just because you have a degree, you already know how to do it "right." Doing something a different way doesn't make it wrong, and you may learn another way to do the same thing.
Be willing to move. You may want to end up working a job back in your hometown, but that's not always going to happen right after graduation. You may need to move to another city, state, or even country, and earn some experience before moving back home. There's a lot to be said for what you can learn and bring back with you. And who knows-you may fall in love with a completely different part of the country!
Take a chance. Step outside your comfort zone. There are a lot of exciting opportunities out there, and you don't want to let one slip by because you were afraid of a little challenge. Or even a big one!
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Veterinarian 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 Veterinarian 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 Veterinarian 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.
Alan Goldhahn
WIMU InstructorMontana State University
WIMU Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Veterinarian Technicians?
Alan Goldhahn: Long term impact of the virus on veterinary graduates (like many issues with the virus) is hard to predict. The job market for the recent class of 2020 appeared to stay healthy. However, the industry is tied to the economy, so any long-term economic depression will, undoubtedly, be reflected in employment opportunities. A recent survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association revealed private practice income to be down 20 to 30% in April and May in 2020.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Veterinarian Technicians to find work opportunities?
Alan Goldhahn: Regional employment opportunities favor metropolitan areas. Our society has embraced the companion animal, so small animal veterinary services in cities remain in demand. Rural mixed animal or extensive animal practice may have less income-generating potential, so those positions can be harder to fill.
How do you envision technology impacting Veterinarian Technicians in the next 5 years?
Alan Goldhahn: Technology will continue to impact our industry, even without the pandemic. Improvements in diagnostic equipment, pharmaceuticals, treatments, and even computer/phone apps will improve our ability to practice a higher quality of medicine. Probably the most profound effect of the virus, though, is the increased use of telemedicine. We are re-evaluating the definition of the client/patient relationship so we can still provide high-quality care, but safely and efficiently. Virtual visits, taking the history of the animal by phone, contactless payment processes are some of the recent changes that have been adopted. Clients waiting in their vehicles during exams and treatments and drive-through dropoff and pickup of the animal are also common.