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Job outlook for veterinary laboratory technicians in the United States
Veterinary laboratory technician job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected veterinary laboratory technician job growth rate is 20% from 2018-2028.
About 24,100 new jobs for veterinary laboratory technicians are projected over the next decade.
Veterinary laboratory technician salaries have increased 12% for veterinary laboratory technicians in the last 5 years.
There are over 78,007 veterinary laboratory technicians currently employed in the United States.
There are 90,066 active veterinary laboratory technician job openings in the US.
The average veterinary laboratory technician salary is $34,460.
Are veterinary laboratory technician jobs in demand?
Veterinary laboratory technician job and salary trends over time
Veterinary laboratory technician jobs over time
Veterinary laboratory technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78,007 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 71,972 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 72,735 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 70,125 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 67,989 | 0.02% |
Average veterinary laboratory technician salary over time
Veterinary laboratory technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $34,460 | $16.57 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $33,566 | $16.14 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $32,711 | $15.73 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $31,742 | $15.26 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $30,877 | $14.84 | +2.2% |
Veterinary laboratory technician jobs by state
Most common states for veterinary laboratory technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 150 | 20% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 249 | 19% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 165 | 19% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,256 | 18% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 882 | 16% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 515 | 16% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 95 | 15% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 702 | 13% |
| 9 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 171 | 13% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 137 | 13% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 99 | 13% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 90 | 13% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 707 | 12% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 361 | 12% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 349 | 12% |
| 16 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 2,230 | 11% |
| 17 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 825 | 11% |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 624 | 11% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 357 | 10% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 171 | 10% |
Most common cities for veterinary laboratory technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ames | 1 | 2% | $31,201 |
| 2 | Marietta | 1 | 2% | $26,100 |
| 3 | Peoria | 1 | 1% | $34,082 |
| 4 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $26,052 |
| 5 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $39,577 |
Veterinary Laboratory Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of veterinary laboratory technician experts
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Kettering University
Pennsylvania State University
Eastern Kentucky University
Kansas State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Palm Beach State College
The University of New Hampshire's Central Science
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
What will help Veterinary Laboratory Technicians increase their earning potential?
Erin Burton DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical Pathology): Today the work of the veterinary profession has never been more critical. The DVM degree has always been one of the most versatile and trusted medical degrees one can gain. No matter the community that you decide to serve, you will be well equipped to face the opportunities and challenges that await. Whether you are in an urban, suburban, rural or remote part of the world, some will support their community as the other family doctor," caring for companion animals, both large and small, that help support a family's physical and psychological well-being. Others may choose a path that addresses critical issues affecting our world today such as a safe and healthy food supply along with the conservation of our environment and natural resources. While others will go on to engage in biomedical research, seeking to answer critical questions that address the health of animals, people, and the world we share, including emerging diseases undiscovered. Regardless of the path, veterinarians influence the day-to-day quality of all lives, human or animal, in immeasurable ways.
What Veterinary Laboratory Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Ludwigsen: Graduates from our programs often find that graduate degrees, masters, or even doctorates, fit into their career trajectories well. If I were advising a graduating senior considering a gap year, I would suggest a certificate program in a relevant field, such as programming, data science, or similar areas. While these incorporate broadly applicable skills as well as valuable disciplinary perspective, these certificate programs often offer credit that can later be applied toward a graduate degree.
What skills stand out on Veterinary Laboratory Technician resumes?
Patrick Drohan Ph.D.: The academic skills are very important, experience in academic clubs like soil judging or weed judging (your niche), but more important is a diversity of experience with working in labs while in school, having summer jobs tied to your career, etc. - working at Dairy Queen in your home town may not be the best idea anymore if you are trying to out-compete others for entry-level work, and frankly, there is plenty of work out there if you are willing to move.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Veterinary Laboratory Technician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Tanea Reed Ph.D.: Although employment in the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors are trending downward due to the current pandemic, the job outlook for chemists is promising. As there is high demand for laboratory technician positions to analyze COVID-19 samples using classical laboratory techniques. Many jobs are available for those with bachelor's and master's level degrees. Additionally, the need for those studying chemistry to work on potential treatments for the virus including other vaccines is great.
What skills stand out on Veterinary Laboratory 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Veterinary Laboratory 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 Veterinary Laboratory 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.
Dr. Rainer Glaser
Professor and ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Veterinary Laboratory Technician resumes?
Dr. Rainer Glaser: Chemistry competence is key, of course. As a close second, chemists need to demonstrate effective team player competence. Communication skills are essential, in conversation and in writing. Effective collaboration requires highly developed skills to work with team members, peers, and leadership.
What type of skills will young Veterinary Laboratory Technicians need?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: Graduates [of all ages] will continue to need hands-on skills, the ability to work both in the group and individual settings, and, most importantly, be curious and teachable. Soft skills have taken on greater importance over the years, so we provide ongoing events for outreach, scientific communication, interview preparation, etc., to help provide students with ways to improve and grow their soft skills.
We are seeing scientific communications transitioning from in-person to remote settings, and our students are excelling at rising to the challenges. South Florida has a diverse life science career field, and our students continue to be well prepared to enter the job market and succeed in their career paths.
What experience really stands out on Veterinary Laboratory Technician resumes?
Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska Ph.D.: The Palm Beach State College Biotechnology Program is a very hands-on intensive training program that ensures our graduates are well versed in fundamental life science laboratory techniques and sterile/aseptic techniques and instrumentation skills. As part of our program, students can earn two College Credit Certificates along with an A.S. degree that includes an industry internship experience.
We are very fortunate to have an excellent relationship with our business partners who are familiar with our facilities, worked with us for many years, and are aware of the vast instrumentation and hands-on training our students receive. They continue to provide career opportunities for our students and interns.
How do you envision technology impacting Veterinary Laboratory Technicians in the next 5 years?
Glen P. Miller: The chemistry field is constantly impacted by advancements in scientific instrumentation, hardware, and software, especially those that cut across adjacent fields like biology and materials science. Job seekers should be well-grounded in current technologies while aware of recent developments and trends.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Veterinary Laboratory Technicians?
Glen P. Miller: Yes, there will be many enduring impacts. Office spaces and buildings will be devalued somewhat, while remote work and virtual meetings have become and will remain important. In chemistry and tangential fields, there will always be a need for in-person work in specialized laboratories, but the manner in which we communicate results internally and externally has changed. There will be less emphasis on in-person communication and a greater emphasis on remote and electronic communication, including email and video reports/presentations. Business travel will drop while skills that enable effective electronic communication will play an even larger role than they already do. Writing skills, including but not limited to technical writing, will become an increasingly valued characteristic of top employees. An ability to speak in a clear, articulate manner will also be prized. None of this, however, supersedes the need for graduates with a robust background in chemistry and a strong work ethic to match.
Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.
Professor of Biological Sciences (Emeritus) & Teaching & Learning ConsultantUniversity of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Biological Sciences Department
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Veterinary Laboratory Technicians in the next 3-5 years?
Gerald Bergtrom Ph.D.: -In any STEM field, predicting, recognizing, and fighting climate change looms large. In the life sciences, detecting the effects of environmental change at the species, individual, cellular, and molecular level will be increasingly necessary.
-Medical science will need to respond to new challenges arising out of climate change and the aging population. Supported (as always) by basic sciences, medical science will focus on big-picture biology, represented by the ever-growing number of "...omics". These include genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics... and the enabling technologies that let us look at a lot of genes, gene products, and biochemical reactions at the same time. Finally, the ever-improving gene-editing technologies can lead to the treatment of disease, leading to a greater understanding of the disease and biological process in general.