Vet tech salary
BLS occupation: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians · also called veterinary technician · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $47,380 a year, US
Median hourly pay $22.78 an hour
Middle half earn $38,910–$57,650 25th to 75th percentile
Vet techs employed 129,140 +9.4% projected by 2035
How much does a vet tech make?
- The median vet tech salary in the US is $47,380 a year ($22.78 an hour): half of the 129,140 vet techs BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $49,120.
- The middle half earn between $38,910 and $57,650. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $35,710 and the top 10% more than $63,180.
- That is 7% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- The District of Columbia pays vet techs the most (median $61,270), followed by California ($60,630) and Washington ($59,740). Louisiana pays the least ($35,530).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Minnesota, where the median is worth $58,071 in typical US prices, then Washington and the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia's higher pay is offset by its prices (109.9 vs a US average of 100).
- In 19 of the 307 metro areas with data, the median vet tech salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of vet techs to grow 9.4% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 13,400 openings a year. The typical entry education is an associate's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what vet techs are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Vet tech salary range
Half of vet techs earn between $38,910 and $57,650 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $35,710
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $38,910
Median Yearly pay: $47,380
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $57,650
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $63,180
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $35,710 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $38,910 |
| Median | $47,380 |
| Top 25% earn over | $57,650 |
| Top 10% earn over | $63,180 |
Vet tech salary by state
The District of Columbia pays vet techs the most; Louisiana the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($47,380), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $61,270 median |
| California | $60,630 median |
| Washington | $59,740 median |
| New York | $59,010 median |
| Minnesota | $57,270 median |
| Oregon | $55,810 median |
| Virginia | $52,090 median |
| Connecticut | $50,950 median |
| Maine | $50,810 median |
| Nevada | $50,250 median |
| Michigan | $49,710 median |
| Colorado | $49,650 median |
| Massachusetts | $49,540 median |
| Vermont | $49,490 median |
| New Jersey | $49,050 median |
| North Dakota | $48,790 median |
| New Hampshire | $48,780 median |
| Indiana | $48,720 median |
| Hawaii | $48,550 median |
| Delaware | $48,370 median |
| Ohio | $47,990 median |
| North Carolina | $47,620 median |
| Maryland | $47,350 median |
| Wisconsin | $47,020 median |
| Alaska | $46,480 median |
| Illinois | $46,440 median |
| Pennsylvania | $46,430 median |
| Florida | $46,380 median |
| Arizona | $46,300 median |
| Kansas | $45,810 median |
| Iowa | $45,560 median |
| Rhode Island | $45,310 median |
| South Dakota | $45,300 median |
| New Mexico | $44,790 median |
| Nebraska | $43,680 median |
| Missouri | $43,520 median |
| Georgia | $43,060 median |
| Tennessee | $42,810 median |
| Idaho | $42,120 median |
| Montana | $41,170 median |
| Utah | $40,560 median |
| Kentucky | $39,590 median |
| Texas | $39,410 median |
| Oklahoma | $39,100 median |
| South Carolina | $39,020 median |
| Wyoming | $38,650 median |
| Arkansas | $38,360 median |
| West Virginia | $37,700 median |
| Alabama | $36,590 median |
| Mississippi | $36,380 median |
| Louisiana | $35,530 median |
Where vet tech pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Vet techs' pay goes furthest in Minnesota once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $58,071 |
| Washington | $55,825 |
| District of Columbia | $55,750 |
| North Dakota | $54,845 |
| California | $54,760 |
| New York | $54,679 |
| Oregon | $53,995 |
| Maine | $52,354 |
| Indiana | $52,202 |
| Iowa | $51,913 |
Vet tech pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $61,270 | $29.46 | $50,390 | $81,990 | 120 | $55,750 |
| California | $60,630 | $29.15 | $48,240 | $75,860 | 11,310 | $54,760 |
| Washington | $59,740 | $28.72 | $46,390 | $77,300 | 2,290 | $55,825 |
| New York | $59,010 | $28.37 | $47,640 | $78,760 | 5,350 | $54,679 |
| Minnesota | $57,270 | $27.53 | $42,640 | $65,120 | 3,560 | $58,071 |
| Oregon | $55,810 | $26.83 | $39,920 | $77,710 | 1,120 | $53,995 |
| Virginia | $52,090 | $25.04 | $35,590 | $75,770 | 2,790 | $51,521 |
| Connecticut | $50,950 | $24.50 | $41,480 | $75,090 | 1,690 | $49,175 |
| Maine | $50,810 | $24.43 | $47,340 | $57,690 | 910 | $52,354 |
| Nevada | $50,250 | $24.16 | $34,700 | $65,420 | 1,120 | $50,261 |
| Michigan | $49,710 | $23.90 | $37,410 | $63,020 | 2,550 | $51,664 |
| Colorado | $49,650 | $23.87 | $37,820 | $60,380 | 3,720 | $48,180 |
| Massachusetts | $49,540 | $23.82 | $37,500 | $64,470 | 3,990 | $46,843 |
| Vermont | $49,490 | $23.79 | $48,050 | $58,430 | 390 | $50,522 |
| New Jersey | $49,050 | $23.58 | $37,870 | $75,310 | 2,910 | $45,081 |
| North Dakota | $48,790 | $23.46 | $35,960 | $56,980 | 340 | $54,845 |
| New Hampshire | $48,780 | $23.45 | $37,450 | $60,840 | 870 | $46,830 |
| Indiana | $48,720 | $23.42 | $37,820 | $59,490 | 1,820 | $52,202 |
| Hawaii | $48,550 | $23.34 | $35,990 | $62,660 | 270 | $44,156 |
| Delaware | $48,370 | $23.25 | $37,250 | $61,890 | 530 | $48,463 |
| Ohio | $47,990 | $23.07 | $34,760 | $61,360 | 4,790 | $51,728 |
| North Carolina | $47,620 | $22.89 | $35,890 | $59,420 | 2,580 | $50,484 |
| Maryland | $47,350 | $22.76 | $38,750 | $74,460 | 2,540 | $45,113 |
| Wisconsin | $47,020 | $22.61 | $37,900 | $59,110 | 2,590 | $49,971 |
| Alaska | $46,480 | $22.35 | $37,010 | $75,820 | 380 | $45,409 |
| Illinois | $46,440 | $22.33 | $38,580 | $60,520 | 5,040 | $46,460 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,430 | $22.32 | $36,480 | $60,280 | 6,620 | $47,585 |
| Florida | $46,380 | $22.30 | $36,600 | $57,870 | 11,380 | $44,849 |
| Arizona | $46,300 | $22.26 | $37,870 | $58,350 | 3,970 | $45,989 |
| Kansas | $45,810 | $22.02 | $36,780 | $58,250 | 1,270 | $50,862 |
| Iowa | $45,560 | $21.90 | $36,290 | $63,860 | 1,220 | $51,913 |
| Rhode Island | $45,310 | $21.78 | $37,570 | $63,590 | 530 | $44,300 |
| South Dakota | $45,300 | $21.78 | $35,780 | $50,440 | 300 | $51,137 |
| New Mexico | $44,790 | $21.53 | $31,350 | $56,870 | 890 | $48,573 |
| Nebraska | $43,680 | $21.00 | $37,770 | $57,310 | 690 | $48,478 |
| Missouri | $43,520 | $20.92 | $31,940 | $49,260 | 2,040 | $47,921 |
| Georgia | $43,060 | $20.70 | $35,060 | $58,590 | 2,410 | $44,718 |
| Tennessee | $42,810 | $20.58 | $31,660 | $57,040 | 1,640 | $46,598 |
| Idaho | $42,120 | $20.25 | $31,900 | $48,660 | 790 | $44,107 |
| Montana | $41,170 | $19.79 | $35,420 | $57,660 | 480 | $43,499 |
| Utah | $40,560 | $19.50 | $29,640 | $55,330 | 1,550 | $41,026 |
| Kentucky | $39,590 | $19.03 | $28,490 | $50,530 | 1,670 | $43,911 |
| Texas | $39,410 | $18.95 | $30,320 | $54,610 | 16,730 | $40,605 |
| Oklahoma | $39,100 | $18.80 | $31,390 | $53,880 | 1,060 | $44,511 |
| South Carolina | $39,020 | $18.76 | $33,870 | $57,970 | 2,540 | $41,622 |
| Wyoming | $38,650 | $18.58 | $28,630 | $49,260 | 310 | $41,698 |
| Arkansas | $38,360 | $18.44 | $27,250 | $47,820 | 320 | $44,124 |
| West Virginia | $37,700 | $18.13 | $29,430 | $48,170 | 400 | $42,124 |
| Alabama | $36,590 | $17.59 | $28,590 | $49,060 | 1,880 | $41,194 |
| Mississippi | $36,380 | $17.49 | $29,120 | $46,710 | 650 | $41,839 |
| Louisiana | $35,530 | $17.08 | $28,490 | $47,690 | 2,220 | $40,280 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Vet tech salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes vet tech pay: 310 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Francisco, CA $71,090
- Corvallis, OR $67,960
- San Jose, CA $67,280
- Santa Cruz, CA $62,810
- Santa Rosa, CA $61,940
- Salinas, CA $61,330
- Seattle, WA $61,260
- Vallejo, CA $61,230
- Kennewick, WA $61,070
- Sacramento, CA $60,970
Where the pay goes furthest
- Corvallis, OR $65,335
- San Francisco, CA $61,490
- Rochester, MN $61,384
- Kennewick, WA $61,022
- San Jose, CA $60,929
- Mount Vernon, WA $59,379
- Albany, NY $59,006
- Kingston, NY $58,644
- Chico, CA $58,599
- Midland, MI $58,561
All 310 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $71,090 | 1,220 | $61,490 | 58% |
| Corvallis, OR | $67,960 | 80 | $65,335 | 32% |
| San Jose, CA | $67,280 | 470 | $60,929 | 68% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $62,810 | 150 | $57,154 | 66% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $61,940 | 250 | $57,467 | 52% |
| Salinas, CA | $61,330 | 130 | $56,244 | 54% |
| Seattle, WA | $61,260 | 1,170 | $55,123 | 44% |
| Vallejo, CA | $61,230 | 110 | $56,444 | 48% |
| Kennewick, WA | $61,070 | 50 | $61,022 | 33% |
| Sacramento, CA | $60,970 | 1,010 | $57,158 | 45% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $60,830 | 40 | $59,379 | 43% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $60,670 | 3,640 | $53,423 | 58% |
| Napa, CA | $60,410 | 30 | $53,672 | 58% |
| Oxnard, CA | $60,410 | 390 | $54,653 | 59% |
| San Diego, CA | $60,280 | 1,330 | $53,876 | 59% |
| New York, NY | $59,680 | 4,850 | $53,019 | 71% |
| Bellingham, WA | $59,360 | 100 | $57,445 | 39% |
| Modesto, CA | $59,360 | 140 | $57,018 | 42% |
| Chico, CA | $59,300 | 70 | $58,599 | 31% |
| Olympia, WA | $59,260 | 90 | $57,162 | 41% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $59,090 | 2,520 | $56,372 | 35% |
| Kingston, NY | $59,060 | 60 | $58,644 | 41% |
| Albany, NY | $58,750 | 440 | $59,006 | 35% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $58,690 | 120 | $54,044 | 57% |
| Riverside, CA | $58,510 | 910 | $54,969 | 52% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $58,490 | 160 | $53,760 | 67% |
| Yuba City, CA | $58,310 | 40 | $55,942 | 42% |
| Portland, OR | $58,300 | 760 | $55,302 | 37% |
| Reno, NV | $58,160 | 280 | $57,576 | 43% |
| Fresno, CA | $58,080 | 220 | $56,853 | 42% |
| Bremerton, WA | $57,720 | 90 | $54,655 | 43% |
| Washington, DC | $57,630 | 2,150 | $52,928 | 50% |
| Spokane, WA | $57,100 | 170 | $56,903 | 32% |
| Denver, CO | $56,580 | 1,780 | $53,487 | 40% |
| Ithaca, NY | $56,420 | 80 | $54,609 | 42% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $56,410 | 490 | $52,787 | 61% |
| Stockton, CA | $56,010 | 140 | $53,298 | 52% |
| Rochester, MN | $55,750 | 140 | $61,384 | 34% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $55,730 | 120 | $55,241 | 39% |
| Kahului, HI | $54,950 | 30 | $50,232 | 70% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $54,730 | 220 | $50,017 | 50% |
| Bend, OR | $54,110 | 70 | $52,226 | 49% |
| Midland, MI | $53,830 | 30 | $58,561 | 31% |
| Lansing, MI | $53,450 | 210 | $56,268 | 29% |
| Richmond, VA | $53,220 | 420 | $54,385 | 38% |
| Champaign, IL | $53,110 | 260 | $57,290 | 31% |
| Detroit, MI | $53,100 | 930 | $52,942 | 34% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $53,060 | 100 | $53,517 | 46% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $52,420 | 290 | $54,864 | 37% |
| Lafayette, IN | $52,160 | 190 | $55,828 | 34% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $52,140 | 60 | $56,188 | 26% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $51,960 | 150 | $56,046 | 38% |
| Medford, OR | $51,900 | 50 | $51,167 | 43% |
| Manhattan, KS | $51,610 | 200 | $57,241 | 29% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $51,450 | 30 | $54,234 | 34% |
| Redding, CA | $51,410 | 60 | $51,061 | 39% |
| Bismarck, ND | $51,390 | 50 | $56,458 | 30% |
| Boulder, CO | $51,350 | 300 | $48,811 | 51% |
| Syracuse, NY | $51,180 | 230 | $53,456 | 38% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $51,160 | 700 | $51,050 | 41% |
| Boston, MA | $50,970 | 2,970 | $47,078 | 70% |
| Portland, ME | $50,890 | 490 | $49,962 | 54% |
| Ames, IA | $50,730 | 270 | $57,109 | 27% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $50,720 | 80 | $53,480 | 30% |
| Durham, NC | $50,660 | 150 | $51,921 | 39% |
| Utica, NY | $50,440 | 80 | $54,425 | 34% |
| Merced, CA | $50,420 | 40 | $51,305 | 49% |
| Raleigh, NC | $50,240 | 680 | $51,183 | 40% |
| Eugene, OR | $50,140 | 80 | $49,366 | 42% |
| Buffalo, NY | $50,100 | 400 | $52,272 | 35% |
| Burlington, VT | $50,060 | 190 | $49,589 | 62% |
| Knoxville, TN | $50,010 | 340 | $54,025 | 41% |
| Barnstable, MA | $49,940 | 200 | $50,777 | 62% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $49,900 | 100 | $49,465 | 46% |
| Anchorage, AK | $49,850 | 270 | $47,287 | 45% |
| Rochester, NY | $49,810 | 320 | $51,332 | 37% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $49,710 | 600 | $51,946 | 37% |
| Fargo, ND | $49,310 | 160 | $54,264 | 27% |
| Salem, OR | $49,310 | 90 | $47,574 | 40% |
| Lewiston, ME | $49,270 | 50 | $52,008 | 39% |
| Columbus, OH | $49,260 | 1,050 | $51,598 | 37% |
| Waterbury, CT | $49,200 | 130 | $49,309 | – |
| Monroe, MI | $49,160 | 40 | $52,582 | 31% |
| Greensboro, NC | $49,090 | 270 | $52,862 | 34% |
| Flint, MI | $49,060 | 70 | $52,733 | 25% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $49,030 | 490 | $48,483 | 48% |
| Binghamton, NY | $49,000 | 60 | $52,766 | 39% |
| Norwich, CT | $48,900 | 110 | $48,683 | 52% |
| Manchester, NH | $48,830 | 180 | $46,216 | 53% |
| Hartford, CT | $48,730 | 580 | $47,428 | 49% |
| Cleveland, OH | $48,620 | 820 | $51,766 | 36% |
| Bangor, ME | $48,510 | 90 | $50,265 | 37% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $48,490 | 130 | $48,372 | – |
| Mankato, MN | $48,470 | 50 | $53,290 | 31% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $48,430 | 100 | $52,316 | 31% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $48,380 | 1,040 | $50,729 | 38% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $48,370 | 470 | $49,387 | 47% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $48,340 | 3,370 | $47,136 | 47% |
| Duluth, MN | $48,270 | 140 | $54,378 | 33% |
| Traverse City, MI | $48,250 | 40 | $51,675 | 46% |
| Madison, WI | $48,240 | 620 | $49,585 | 44% |
| Evansville, IN | $48,220 | 70 | $52,683 | 27% |
| Worcester, MA | $48,180 | 520 | $46,994 | 52% |
| Crestview, FL | $48,070 | 320 | $49,541 | 49% |
| Honolulu, HI | $48,070 | 190 | $43,322 | 75% |
| Toledo, OH | $47,860 | 220 | $52,332 | 32% |
| Chicago, IL | $47,820 | 3,250 | $46,161 | 54% |
| Trenton, NJ | $47,820 | 180 | $46,346 | 63% |
| Saginaw, MI | $47,790 | 50 | $52,579 | 26% |
| Des Moines, IA | $47,780 | 220 | $52,104 | 32% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $47,770 | 600 | $49,279 | 39% |
| Springfield, MA | $47,770 | 200 | $49,729 | 49% |
| Iowa City, IA | $47,720 | 50 | $52,148 | 44% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $47,680 | 40 | $52,661 | 29% |
| Miami, FL | $47,620 | 2,640 | $41,715 | 67% |
| Wilmington, NC | $47,620 | 140 | $49,387 | 44% |
| Dayton, OH | $47,610 | 360 | $51,363 | 33% |
| Bozeman, MT | $47,500 | 90 | $46,337 | 56% |
| Jackson, MI | $47,470 | 40 | $51,722 | 30% |
| South Bend, IN | $47,440 | 80 | $51,089 | 32% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $47,390 | 100 | $54,078 | 31% |
| Visalia, CA | $47,350 | 60 | $47,433 | 44% |
| Racine, WI | $47,250 | 40 | $49,239 | 37% |
| Michigan City, IN | $47,230 | 30 | $51,515 | 31% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $47,120 | 40 | $49,656 | 43% |
| Akron, OH | $47,110 | 330 | $50,455 | 33% |
| Tampa, FL | $47,100 | 1,820 | $46,685 | 51% |
| Naples, FL | $47,090 | 170 | $45,630 | 66% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $47,050 | 130 | $51,117 | 39% |
| Sebastian, FL | $47,020 | 90 | $47,829 | 54% |
| Asheville, NC | $46,990 | 140 | $48,691 | 43% |
| Roanoke, VA | $46,970 | 100 | $50,172 | 36% |
| Bloomington, IL | $46,940 | 60 | $50,183 | 33% |
| Wausau, WI | $46,890 | 70 | $50,609 | 25% |
| Appleton, WI | $46,880 | 100 | $50,726 | 31% |
| Green Bay, WI | $46,820 | 110 | $50,298 | 29% |
| Rockford, IL | $46,760 | 100 | $50,741 | 33% |
| Springfield, IL | $46,740 | 60 | $50,396 | 31% |
| Greeley, CO | $46,720 | 170 | $46,638 | 43% |
| Lawrence, KS | $46,700 | 40 | $51,749 | 40% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $46,650 | 460 | $48,825 | 38% |
| Allentown, PA | $46,650 | 430 | $46,665 | 47% |
| Baltimore, MD | $46,650 | 1,160 | $44,647 | 50% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $46,630 | 500 | $46,303 | 45% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $46,570 | 1,120 | $46,812 | 43% |
| Canton, OH | $46,540 | 170 | $52,055 | 29% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $46,490 | 100 | $51,296 | 33% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $46,390 | 2,760 | $44,901 | 44% |
| Springfield, OH | $46,350 | 50 | $51,226 | 31% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $46,330 | 70 | $48,714 | 46% |
| Charlotte, NC | $46,310 | 620 | $47,572 | 45% |
| Watertown, NY | $46,300 | 40 | $52,800 | 39% |
| North Port, FL | $46,290 | 470 | $45,198 | 55% |
| Staunton, VA | $46,280 | 50 | $50,786 | 38% |
| Kansas City, MO | $46,260 | 880 | $49,988 | 40% |
| Providence, RI | $46,160 | 730 | $45,356 | 56% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $46,160 | 130 | $46,736 | 51% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $46,060 | 90 | $48,242 | 45% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $46,030 | 90 | $51,509 | 34% |
| Lancaster, PA | $46,020 | 330 | $46,836 | 41% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $46,010 | 80 | $46,542 | 53% |
| La Crosse, WI | $45,930 | 60 | $50,050 | 35% |
| Kenosha, WI | $45,880 | 80 | $45,373 | – |
| Cape Coral, FL | $45,860 | 370 | $44,807 | 48% |
| Pensacola, FL | $45,820 | 270 | $46,891 | 45% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $45,800 | 50 | $48,393 | 35% |
| Elkhart, IN | $45,790 | 30 | $50,695 | 31% |
| Lincoln, NE | $45,750 | 130 | $49,956 | 34% |
| Greenville, SC | $45,740 | 520 | $49,046 | 41% |
| Reading, PA | $45,570 | 190 | $46,950 | 41% |
| Salisbury, MD | $45,530 | 60 | $47,617 | 51% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $45,510 | 280 | $46,133 | 39% |
| Youngstown, OH | $45,430 | 110 | $51,983 | 28% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $45,420 | 1,310 | $47,977 | 39% |
| Topeka, KS | $45,390 | 80 | $51,103 | 33% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $45,350 | 350 | $45,348 | 50% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $45,250 | 80 | $45,014 | 49% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $45,240 | 680 | $44,851 | 44% |
| Rapid City, SD | $45,210 | 50 | $50,707 | 39% |
| Waterloo, IA | $45,210 | 50 | $51,931 | 27% |
| Bloomington, IN | $45,190 | 40 | $47,526 | 46% |
| Davenport, IA | $45,140 | 120 | $50,674 | 27% |
| York, PA | $45,120 | 230 | $47,000 | 37% |
| Tulsa, OK | $45,110 | 230 | $50,564 | 37% |
| Austin, TX | $45,100 | 1,870 | $45,989 | 43% |
| Orlando, FL | $45,090 | 1,270 | $44,460 | 51% |
| Hickory, NC | $45,070 | 60 | $50,935 | 42% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $45,070 | 90 | $44,730 | 54% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $44,980 | 50 | $47,801 | 41% |
| Janesville, WI | $44,970 | 60 | $47,992 | 34% |
| Omaha, NE | $44,970 | 240 | $48,928 | 37% |
| State College, PA | $44,940 | 120 | $46,444 | 52% |
| Dover, DE | $44,920 | 80 | $46,068 | 47% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $44,860 | 40 | $47,033 | 37% |
| St. Louis, MO | $44,860 | 1,000 | $47,177 | 38% |
| College Station, TX | $44,850 | 400 | $49,312 | 40% |
| Deltona, FL | $44,830 | 310 | $45,116 | 47% |
| Columbia, MO | $44,810 | 130 | $50,102 | 39% |
| Morgantown, WV | $44,780 | 50 | $47,984 | 36% |
| Atlanta, GA | $44,740 | 1,450 | $44,714 | 49% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $44,740 | 70 | $45,517 | 49% |
| Louisville, KY | $44,710 | 500 | $48,037 | 36% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $44,700 | 80 | $48,599 | 39% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $44,700 | 260 | $44,598 | 62% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $44,650 | 110 | $50,189 | 33% |
| Nashville, TN | $44,640 | 470 | $46,337 | 48% |
| Wichita, KS | $44,640 | 220 | $50,188 | 32% |
| Scranton, PA | $44,620 | 180 | $47,693 | 37% |
| St. George, UT | $44,440 | 50 | $45,663 | 50% |
| Boise, ID | $44,410 | 360 | $45,136 | 52% |
| Dallas, TX | $44,360 | 4,570 | $43,030 | 45% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $44,330 | 100 | $45,117 | 51% |
| Tucson, AZ | $44,260 | 470 | $45,678 | 40% |
| Peoria, IL | $44,140 | 110 | $48,383 | 31% |
| Houston, TX | $44,110 | 3,570 | $44,723 | 45% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $43,960 | 100 | $43,818 | 58% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $43,780 | 40 | $45,372 | 42% |
| Missoula, MT | $43,510 | 40 | $45,114 | 45% |
| Lexington, KY | $43,430 | 550 | $46,755 | 44% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $43,360 | 260 | $46,167 | 41% |
| Lakeland, FL | $43,050 | 290 | $44,317 | 51% |
| Ocala, FL | $42,890 | 330 | $45,036 | 45% |
| Burlington, NC | $42,640 | 40 | $45,753 | 38% |
| Williamsport, PA | $42,610 | 60 | $46,140 | 31% |
| Altoona, PA | $42,070 | 40 | $47,002 | 29% |
| Charleston, SC | $41,980 | 560 | $41,580 | 58% |
| Charleston, WV | $41,710 | 70 | $47,015 | 35% |
| Kingsport, TN | $41,530 | 60 | $48,041 | 38% |
| Sioux City, IA | $41,130 | 40 | $47,574 | 38% |
| Dubuque, IA | $41,070 | 30 | $47,030 | 31% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $40,770 | 70 | $44,629 | 46% |
| Greenville, NC | $40,580 | 50 | $45,904 | 43% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $40,260 | 370 | $44,531 | 41% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $40,210 | 70 | $43,021 | 52% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $40,160 | 40 | $46,655 | 30% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $40,100 | 50 | $45,581 | 30% |
| Gainesville, FL | $40,060 | 250 | $41,413 | 49% |
| Memphis, TN | $39,710 | 260 | $43,079 | 42% |
| San Antonio, TX | $39,560 | 1,730 | $41,767 | 43% |
| Midland, TX | $39,400 | 70 | $41,135 | 48% |
| Sebring, FL | $39,240 | 30 | $42,435 | 46% |
| Erie, PA | $39,110 | 100 | $43,002 | 35% |
| Joplin, MO | $39,080 | 40 | $45,591 | 38% |
| Little Rock, AR | $39,070 | 70 | $43,720 | 38% |
| Lebanon, PA | $39,010 | 50 | $41,850 | 45% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $39,000 | 150 | $42,640 | 46% |
| Panama City, FL | $38,720 | 80 | $39,796 | 54% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $38,600 | 70 | $40,885 | 45% |
| The Villages, FL | $38,580 | 50 | $45,163 | 54% |
| Springfield, MO | $38,530 | 130 | $43,495 | 39% |
| Provo, UT | $38,430 | 220 | $39,122 | 55% |
| Columbia, SC | $38,390 | 430 | $40,988 | 49% |
| Gainesville, GA | $38,230 | 50 | $39,508 | 53% |
| Clarksville, TN | $38,190 | 70 | $41,991 | 42% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $38,100 | 120 | $38,871 | 62% |
| Brownsville, TX | $38,090 | 110 | $44,304 | 48% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $38,070 | 90 | $42,201 | 46% |
| Savannah, GA | $37,920 | 100 | $39,829 | 56% |
| Ogden, UT | $37,870 | 300 | $37,738 | 52% |
| Killeen, TX | $37,850 | 210 | $41,533 | 41% |
| Sherman, TX | $37,760 | 70 | $40,268 | 43% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $37,730 | 30 | $40,963 | 50% |
| Billings, MT | $37,640 | 110 | $40,245 | 44% |
| Beaumont, TX | $37,590 | 160 | $41,745 | 42% |
| Mobile, AL | $37,590 | 130 | $42,668 | 41% |
| Waco, TX | $37,560 | 130 | $40,583 | 45% |
| Augusta, GA | $37,300 | 180 | $40,586 | 47% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $37,270 | 60 | $42,486 | 54% |
| Huntsville, AL | $37,140 | 280 | $39,905 | 45% |
| Longview, TX | $37,130 | 130 | $41,493 | 37% |
| Birmingham, AL | $37,100 | 530 | $40,483 | 45% |
| Auburn, AL | $37,080 | 140 | $42,168 | 52% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $36,990 | 40 | $39,440 | 49% |
| Abilene, TX | $36,980 | 110 | $40,923 | 65% |
| Pocatello, ID | $36,980 | 30 | $41,594 | 35% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $36,850 | 200 | $39,764 | 46% |
| Johnson City, TN | $36,830 | 50 | $41,887 | 48% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $36,760 | 30 | $41,191 | 42% |
| Johnstown, PA | $36,730 | 70 | $42,745 | 29% |
| Jackson, MS | $36,680 | 150 | $41,191 | 48% |
| Macon, GA | $36,680 | 30 | $41,433 | 40% |
| Athens, GA | $36,670 | 80 | $39,285 | 58% |
| Florence, SC | $36,660 | 60 | $42,248 | 50% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $36,660 | 140 | $40,263 | 48% |
| San Angelo, TX | $36,640 | 70 | $39,631 | 43% |
| Gulfport, MS | $36,620 | 70 | $40,686 | 47% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $36,600 | 160 | $39,085 | 56% |
| Columbus, GA | $36,410 | 60 | $40,775 | 45% |
| Victoria, TX | $36,290 | 60 | $40,394 | 39% |
| El Paso, TX | $36,240 | 250 | $40,306 | 50% |
| Wheeling, WV | $36,080 | 60 | $40,850 | 29% |
| Decatur, AL | $35,980 | 60 | $41,256 | 36% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $35,960 | 60 | $39,876 | 41% |
| Laredo, TX | $35,940 | 70 | $41,331 | 38% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $35,760 | 480 | $39,392 | 46% |
| New Orleans, LA | $35,660 | 480 | $38,511 | 53% |
| Logan, UT | $35,520 | 100 | $37,028 | 48% |
| McAllen, TX | $35,460 | 190 | $41,283 | 38% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $35,370 | 120 | $41,199 | 46% |
| Odessa, TX | $35,360 | 50 | $37,659 | 54% |
| Alexandria, LA | $35,270 | 60 | $41,162 | 35% |
| Shreveport, LA | $35,200 | 180 | $41,526 | 44% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $35,040 | 50 | $39,985 | 45% |
| Lafayette, LA | $34,800 | 180 | $39,904 | 48% |
| Houma, LA | $34,700 | 50 | $40,774 | 45% |
| Hammond, LA | $34,500 | 70 | $40,848 | 46% |
| Monroe, LA | $32,360 | 100 | $38,710 | 44% |
| Montgomery, AL | $30,520 | 140 | $34,031 | 54% |
| Dothan, AL | $30,210 | 50 | $36,036 | 48% |
| Florence, AL | $29,520 | 40 | $34,804 | 44% |
What the median vet tech salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $47,380 |
| Month | $3,948 |
| Every two weeks | $1,822 |
| Week | $911 |
| Hour | $22.78 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a vet tech: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +9.4% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 13,400 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| Physician assistant | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| Radiology tech | $80,110 | Associate's degree |
| Surgical tech | $64,650 | Postsecondary certificate |
Questions about vet tech pay
How much does a vet tech make an hour?
The median is $22.78 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $17.17 and the top 10% over $30.38.
How much does a vet tech make a month?
About $3,948 a month before taxes at the median salary of $47,380, or $1,822 every two weeks.
What state pays vet techs the most?
The District of Columbia, with a median of $61,270. California ($60,630), Washington ($59,740), New York ($59,010) and Minnesota ($57,270) follow.
Where do vet techs make the most after cost of living?
Minnesota: its median of $57,270 is worth $58,071 at typical US prices. Washington, the District of Columbia and North Dakota come next.
How much do entry-level vet techs make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of vet techs earn under $35,710 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $38,910, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a vet tech?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as an associate's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-2056 (Veterinary Technologists and Technicians). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.