Juan Gervasoni
Specialist
February 25, 2025
Veterinary technicians (vet techs) are a vital part of the healthcare system for animals, often working alongside veterinarians to provide care to pets, livestock, and other animals. The demand for qualified vet techs continues to grow, but how much do vet techs make in 2025? In this blog, we’ll explore the current state of vet tech salary, factors influencing pay, and ways you can maximize your earning potential in this rewarding career.
The salary of a veterinary technician depends on several factors, including experience, location, education, and certifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for vet techs in the United States is around $36,000, though this can vary significantly depending on where you work and your role within the veterinary field. Some experienced and highly specialized vet techs can earn over $50,000 annually.
Here’s a closer look at the typical vet tech salary range for vet techs in 2025:
As you gain experience and specialize in certain areas of veterinary care, your vet tech salary will likely increase.
Salary expectations can vary widely by region. States with higher living costs and larger populations of animals tend to offer higher salaries to attract skilled professionals. Below is a breakdown of how vet tech salaries compare across various states in the U.S.:
| State | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|
| California | $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Texas | $32,000 – $48,000 |
| Florida | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| New York | $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Illinois | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| Colorado | $38,000 – $53,000 |
| Washington | $42,000 – $58,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $34,000 – $49,000 |
| Georgia | $31,000 – $46,000 |
| North Carolina | $33,000 – $47,000 |
| Ohio | $32,000 – $45,000 |
| Michigan | $34,000 – $48,000 |
| Arizona | $36,000 – $50,000 |
| Massachusetts | $42,000 – $57,000 |
| Oregon | $39,000 – $54,000 |
As you can see, there’s a considerable difference in vet tech salary based on location. For example, states like California and New York offer higher salaries compared to others like Georgia or North Carolina. However, it’s important to weigh salary against the cost of living in each state.
Several factors impact how much you’ll earn as a veterinary technician. While some variables, like location, are beyond your control, others are things you can work on to boost your vet tech salary.
Like most professions, the more experience you have, the higher your earning potential. Entry-level vet techs will start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, but with a few years of experience, your vet tech salary will likely increase.
As mentioned, vet tech salary varies by location. Cities and states with high living costs (such as California, New York, or Massachusetts) often offer higher salaries. Consider exploring job opportunities in these areas if you’re looking to boost your pay.
Vet techs with specialized certifications tend to earn more than those who are generalists. You can earn certifications in areas like anesthesia, dentistry, emergency, and critical care, among others. These credentials make you more marketable and can increase your vet tech salary significantly. Learn more about gaining specialized certifications in our guide on Veterinary Time Management Tips.
Techs working in emergency and specialty practices tend to earn more than those in general practice. These clinics require highly skilled workers, and they’re willing to pay for your expertise. If you’re looking into vet emergency groups or veterinary emergency groups, these practices typically offer higher pay for their techs compared to standard practices.
Relief vet techs, who work as temporary or contract staff, may have the opportunity to earn higher hourly rates than full-time employees. Relief work can also provide flexibility in your schedule, allowing you to take on more hours if you choose. If you’re interested in learning more about this career path, take a look at our Relief Veterinary Work: Transition & Succeed in a Flexible Career blog post.
For those who value flexibility and higher pay, relief veterinary jobs could be a great option. Relief vets fill in for full-time staff during times of high demand, vacations, or maternity leave. Because of the flexible nature of relief work, relief veterinarians often earn more on an hourly basis. Additionally, relief vets often get the chance to work in a variety of settings, from small animal clinics to specialty practices.
If you’re curious about making the jump to relief work, take a look at our Relief Vet-Friendly Clinic tips to learn how to succeed in a temporary position.
While both veterinary assistants and vet techs play crucial roles in veterinary clinics, their salaries are typically different. Vet techs generally earn more than veterinary assistants because of the additional training, education, and responsibilities that come with the role. Here’s a general comparison:
If you’re currently a veterinary assistant and are interested in advancing your career, becoming a certified vet tech could lead to a substantial pay increase. Check out our post on Hiring Relief Veterinarians for insights into making a smooth career transition.
Want to earn more as a vet tech? Here are some ways to boost your vet tech salary:
Pursue Specializations: Certifications in specialties like emergency care, cardiology, or dentistry can significantly increase your earning potential. Explore these options with the American Veterinary Medical Association or the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
Consider Relief Work: If you enjoy variety and flexible hours, relief vet work can offer both a higher hourly rate and increased job satisfaction. Relief vets fill in during peak times or vacations and have the chance to work in various clinics.
Look for Job Opportunities in High-Demand Areas: States like California, New York, and Washington tend to have higher salaries due to a greater demand for vet techs.
Stay Up to Date with Industry Trends: Staying current with industry standards and emerging trends can help you become a more valuable employee, opening up opportunities for advancement. Our blog on Veterinary Medicine: Top Trends can help you keep up with what’s next in the field.
The salary of a veterinary technician varies greatly based on experience, location, specialization, and the type of work you do. With the right certifications, work experience, and location, you can expect to earn a competitive vet tech salary while contributing to the health and well-being of animals. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, consider the options for relief veterinary jobs or expanding your skillset with additional certifications. You’ll not only increase your earning potential but also enhance the impact you make in the veterinary field.
For more insights into the relief veterinary career path and additional tips on succeeding in this flexible and rewarding field, check out our detailed articles like Relief Veterinarian Workplace Tips.
