Juan Gervasoni
Specialist
May 13, 2025
Being a veterinary technician isn’t just a job. It’s a passion. But even the most dedicated professionals are facing a hard truth: vet tech pay often doesn’t meet the cost of living in the U.S.
The average vet tech salary nationally falls around $20/hour, or approximately $42,000/year. While that may sound decent at first glance, it often falls short when compared to what’s required to live comfortably in many areas.
A living wage is what a person needs to earn to meet basic expenses like housing, transportation, healthcare, and food, without relying on side gigs or debt.
Here are some rough estimates of the hourly living wage needed in different states (based on 2024 data):
Florida: ~$20–24/hour
Texas: ~$18–22/hour
California & New York: ~$28–35/hour
🔗 Check MIT’s Living Wage Calculator for current estimates in your state.
For many full-time vet techs, that math just doesn’t work, and financial stress is a growing issue across the industry.
Most full-time veterinary technician roles come with:
A fixed hourly wage, often determined by clinic budgets
Set schedules, sometimes including weekends or long shifts
Little flexibility or room to negotiate pay
High stress and limited opportunities for advancement
It’s no surprise that many skilled techs are exploring alternatives, and relief vet tech work is gaining traction.
Relief work allows vet techs to work on a per-shift or as-needed basis at different clinics. This model offers not only greater flexibility but often higher earning potential.
Here’s what the numbers show for relief vet tech hourly rates:
Low end: around $21/hour
High end: up to $50/hour
Average range: $28–30/hour, depending on location, experience, and responsibilities
These rates often push vet techs above the living wage threshold, even when working fewer hours.
➡️ Related: What is a Relief Vet? The Ultimate Guide for Vets
| Category | Full-Time Vet Tech | Relief Vet Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Pay | $18–24/hour | $28–40+/hour |
| Schedule | Fixed | Flexible — you accept shifts as needed |
| Control Over Income | Limited | Higher — set your own rate |
| Work-Life Balance | Often challenging | More autonomy and control |
| Burnout Risk | High | Lower — you manage your workload |
Veterinary professionals, including techs, are increasingly turning to flexible veterinary jobs because:
It offers more freedom and choice
You can negotiate fair pay based on your qualifications
You’re not tied to one clinic or one routine
You can reduce burnout by managing your own time
At FlexVet Staffing, we make it even easier: we don’t set your rate — you do. That’s right. You decide what’s fair based on your experience and the work you’re taking on.
Being a vet tech takes education, certification, hands-on training, and compassion. It’s time that vet tech pay reflects that value.
Relief work offers a viable path to earning a living wage, gaining more independence, and building a career that fits your lifestyle — not the other way around.
Whether you’re looking to earn more, escape burnout, or regain control over your schedule — relief work gives you options. It’s a way to do what you love, without sacrificing your well-being.
Reach out to FlexVet Staffing and take the first step toward flexible, rewarding veterinary work on your terms.
