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Job outlook for veterinary technician assistants in the United States
Veterinary technician assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected veterinary technician assistant job growth rate is 20% from 2018-2028.
About 24,100 new jobs for veterinary technician assistants are projected over the next decade.
Veterinary technician assistant salaries have increased 12% for veterinary technician assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 156,799 veterinary technician assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 35,338 active veterinary technician assistant job openings in the US.
The average veterinary technician assistant salary is $39,025.
Are veterinary technician assistant jobs in demand?
Veterinary technician assistant job and salary trends over time
Veterinary technician assistant jobs over time
Veterinary technician assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 156,799 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 148,467 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 148,608 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 141,215 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 135,720 | 0.04% |
Average veterinary technician assistant salary over time
Veterinary technician assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,025 | $18.76 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $38,013 | $18.28 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $37,044 | $17.81 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $35,947 | $17.28 | +2.8% |
| 2021 | $34,967 | $16.81 | +2.2% |
Veterinary technician assistant jobs by state
Most common states for veterinary technician assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 95 | 13% |
| 2 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 562 | 10% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 615 | 9% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 122 | 9% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 75 | 8% |
| 6 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 1,507 | 7% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 741 | 7% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 631 | 7% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 524 | 7% |
| 10 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 480 | 7% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 366 | 7% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 238 | 7% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 232 | 7% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,276 | 6% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 319 | 6% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 243 | 6% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 82 | 6% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 59 | 6% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 150 | 5% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 94 | 5% |
Most common cities for veterinary technician assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Marcos | 8 | 8% | $48,149 |
| 2 | Fleming Island | 1 | 4% | $33,551 |
| 3 | Hudson | 1 | 4% | $39,077 |
| 4 | Springdale | 2 | 3% | $29,800 |
| 5 | Crown Point | 1 | 3% | $37,202 |
| 6 | Covina | 1 | 2% | $48,836 |
| 7 | Alexandria | 1 | 1% | $49,580 |
| 8 | Kissimmee | 1 | 1% | $33,745 |
| 9 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $47,929 |
| 10 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $40,842 |
| 11 | Charlotte | 1 | 0% | $36,069 |
| 12 | Corpus Christi | 1 | 0% | $31,765 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $36,817 |
| 14 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $33,553 |
Veterinary Technician Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of veterinary technician assistant experts
Stanford University
North Carolina State 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
ZAA - Zoological Association of America
Pennsylvania State University
Colorado State University
Montana State University
Donna Bouley DVM, PhD
PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE MEDICINEStanford University
Veterinary Biomedical And Clinical Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Veterinary Technician Assistant?
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 Veterinary Technician Assistants?
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 are the biggest trends we'll see in the Veterinary Technician Assistant 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 Veterinary Technician Assistant 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 Technician Assistants 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 skills stand out on Veterinary Technician Assistant 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!
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 Veterinary Technician Assistant 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 Veterinary Technician Assistant 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
How would you rate the starting salaries for Veterinary Technician Assistants, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Jamie Rauscher RVT: I live in Georgia. Starting salaries for a RVT in this state is around $17 an hour. 25 years ago I made $5 an hour walking dogs and cleaning kennels. My salary now is set to cover that of a RVT with management duties. Again, I do believe that employers that pay their staff well will be able to retain them longterm. If you feel like you deserve a raise, prove it, stand up for yourself, and ask for it! Technicians that obtain their specialties or go into management will make more as their education/skills progress.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Veterinary Technician Assistants 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.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Veterinary Technician Assistant 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 Veterinary Technician Assistants 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.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Veterinary Technician Assistants to find work opportunities?
Dr. Adrian Barragan DVM, MS, PhD: Veterinary medicine is a broad career that offers young veterinarians a variety of work opportunities after graduation. Young veterinarians can develop a career treating animals in a veterinary practice, or doing research and teaching in academia, among others. In the recent years, there appears to have been a decrease in interest for large animal medicine in young graduates. Exposure to inclement weather conditions, long driving hours and living in rural areas may be some of the possible reasons for this trend. However, large animal veterinary medicine is an exciting and rewarding career ideal for people that enjoy being outdoors and caring for these wonderful animals.
How do you envision technology impacting Veterinary Technician Assistants in the next 5 years?
Dr. Adrian Barragan DVM, MS, PhD: The use of technology in veterinary medicine has helped to improve health care provided to animals through better diagnostic methods and less invasive treatment approaches, among others. On food producing animal operations, technology has helped the industry to monitor more closely animal health and performance, allowing producers to timely adjust their management to prevent diseases and improve welfare. Furthermore, teleconference platforms and new phone devices have allowed veterinarians to perform remote animal health consultations with animal owners. This helps to provide remote comfort to sick animals, which it is especially important during times such as those experienced during the current pandemic. Technology will continue to advance veterinary medicine, not only through better animal health monitoring and treatment, but also through better teaching practices (e.g., 3-D/360 anatomy videos) for veterinary students.
What type of skills will young Veterinary Technician Assistants need?
Dr. Keith Belk: I would list the following skills: work ethic, strong scientific, technical training, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills.
Alan Goldhahn
WIMU InstructorMontana State University
WIMU Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Veterinary Technician Assistants?
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 Veterinary Technician Assistants 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 Veterinary Technician Assistants 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.