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Veterinary Career Guide

Vet Tech Career Guide for 2026

State-by-state breakdown including all 50 U.S. states + D.C. & Canadian provinces

$45,980

yearly national median salary

9%

projected job growth (2024-2034)

$59,080

Highest annual salary (Washington)

Data compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024; Canadian Veterinary Journal (2024); Government of Canada Job Bank (Nov. 2025); Salary.com (Jan. 2026); and NAVTA/AAVSB credentialing standards.

Whether you're picking a vet tech program or deciding if a move to Washington is worth it, this guide answers what the job pays, what it takes to get credentialed, and how techs grow their pay. We pulled every number from public sources, cited at the bottom, and checked them against each other.

Jump to a section:

Section #1

What is a veterinary technician?

Section #1

What is a veterinary technician?

Section #2

Credentials, education & licensing

Section #2

Credentials, education & licensing

Section #3

Salary overview with key benchmarks

Section #3

Salary overview with key benchmarks

Section #4

U.S. state-by-state salary breakdown

Section #4

U.S. state-by-state salary breakdown

Section #5

Canadian province-by-province salary breakdown

Section #5

Canadian province-by-province salary breakdown

Section #6

Career growth & advancement strategies

Section #6

Career growth & advancement strategies

Section #7

Salary comparison with related roles

Section #7

Salary comparison with related roles

Section #8

Key resources & organizations

Section #8

Key resources & organizations

Section #9

Complete sources & citations

Section #9

Complete sources & citations

Section #1

What is a veterinary technician?

A veterinary technician, or vet tech, is a credentialed professional who works under a licensed veterinarian. If you've ever had a pet in surgery, a vet tech probably placed the catheter, ran the anesthesia, and called you afterward with an update.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the role as nurse, lab tech, radiographer, anesthetist, surgical assistant, and client educator, often all in one shift. Each state sets its own rules for what techs can do.

Section #1.1

Technician vs. Technologist: what's the difference?

Although the terms are often used interchangeably in conversation, there is a formal educational distinction:

Title

Title

Education required

Education required

Degree

Degree

Typical work setting

Typical work setting

Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician

2-year AVMA-accredited program

2-year AVMA-accredited program

Associate Degree

Associate Degree

Private clinics, hospitals, shelters

Private clinics, hospitals, shelters

Veterinary Technologist

Veterinary Technologist

4-year AVMA-accredited program

4-year AVMA-accredited program

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Research, specialty practices, academia

Research, specialty practices, academia

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

On-the-job or certificate

On-the-job or certificate

Certificate (varies)

Certificate (varies)

General practices, kennels

General practices, kennels

Source: NAVTA FAQ; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)

The BLS notes that most states do not award a distinct credential for veterinary technologists—those graduates are typically credentialed using the same examination and title as veterinary technicians. However, their advanced degree may qualify them for specialized roles in research settings or academic institutions.

Section #1.2

Core job duties and responsibilities

According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET data, veterinary technicians typically perform the following duties:

  • Collect and prepare laboratory samples such as blood, tissue, urine, and feces for analysis.

  • Perform diagnostic tests including urinalysis, complete blood counts (CBCs), and parasite screens.

  • Take and develop digital radiographs (X-rays) and assist with ultrasound and other imaging procedures.

  • Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed by the supervising veterinarian.

  • Induce and monitor anesthesia before, during, and after surgical procedures.

  • Assist veterinarians during surgery: prepare instruments, pass materials, monitor patient vitals.

  • Provide nursing care including wound dressing, splinting, and post-operative recovery monitoring.

  • Record and maintain patient histories, treatment records, and pharmaceutical inventories.

  • Communicate with and educate clients on animal nutrition, behavior, home care, and medications.

  • Prepare treatment rooms and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.

  • Supervise and train veterinary assistants and veterinary technology students.

  • Assist in humane euthanasia and support grieving clients with compassion.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook—Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (last modified August 28, 2025); CareerOneStop Occupation Profile (O*NET 29-2056.00)

Section #1.3

Work settings

Vet techs work in a wide variety of environments, including:

Work setting

Work setting

Notes

Notes

Private veterinary clinics

Private veterinary clinics

Most common; small and large animal general practice

Most common; small and large animal general practice

Specialty & emergency hospitals

Specialty & emergency hospitals

Higher pay; focus areas like oncology, surgery, cardiology, neurology

Higher pay; focus areas like oncology, surgery, cardiology, neurology

Biomedical research facilities

Biomedical research facilities

Lab animal work; often requires AALAS certification

Lab animal work; often requires AALAS certification

Zoos & wildlife facilities

Zoos & wildlife facilities

Requires extra exotic or zoological experience

Requires extra exotic or zoological experience

Humane societies & shelters

Humane societies & shelters

High volume and a wide range of cases

High volume and a wide range of cases

Military & government

Military & government

USDA, FDA, state departments of agriculture

USDA, FDA, state departments of agriculture

Pharmaceutical companies

Pharmaceutical companies

Product testing, clinical trials, sales support

Product testing, clinical trials, sales support

Academic institutions

Academic institutions

Teaching assistants, research support

Teaching assistants, research support

Source: NAVTA FAQs (navta.net); BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024

Section #1.4

Key skills required

Clinical skills get you hired. These are the skills that keep you in the job:

  • Communication skills: Clearly explaining procedures, diagnoses, and aftercare to pet owners.

  • Compassion: Treating pets humanely and supporting emotionally distressed clients.

  • Detail orientation: Precision in recording data, administering dosages, and performing diagnostic tests.

  • Manual dexterity: Handling instruments and performing procedures requiring fine motor skill.

  • Physical stamina: Standing for long periods, restraining pets, lifting patients.

  • Emotional resilience: Assisting with euthanasia (sometimes more than once in a day), and then walking into the next room ready for a puppy visit.

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (August 2025)

Section #2

Credentials, education & licensing

There are three steps to getting credentialed: finish an accredited program, pass the national exam, and meet your state's requirements. The catch is that each state sets its own title and rules, so the license you hold depends on where you work.

Section #2.1

Understanding CVT vs. LVT vs. RVT

The credential a vet tech holds depends entirely on the state where they work. The titles CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician), LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician), and RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician) are functionally equivalent—all represent a credentialed technician who has completed an accredited program and passed the national exam.

Credential

Credential

Full title

Full title

Example states

Example states

CVT

CVT

Certified Veterinary Technician

Certified Veterinary Technician

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and many others

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and many others

LVT

LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Texas

Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Texas

RVT

RVT

Registered Veterinary Technician

Registered Veterinary Technician

Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada

Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Nevada

CVMT

CVMT

Certified Veterinary Medical Technician

Certified Veterinary Medical Technician

Arkansas

Arkansas

LVMT

LVMT

Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician

Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician

Florida (older designation)

Florida (older designation)

AHT

AHT

Animal Health Technician

Animal Health Technician

Quebec (Canada)

Quebec (Canada)

Source: Penn Foster—CVT vs. LVT vs. RVT: What's the Difference? (2025); NAVTA Policies (navta.net)

Section #2.2

The credentialing pathway

Regardless of state-specific title differences, the path to becoming a credentialed vet tech follows the same essential steps:

1

Complete an AVMA-Accredited Veterinary Technology Program

Enroll in and graduate from a program accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Programs are 2 years (associate degree) or 4 years (bachelor's degree) and include coursework in animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathology, diagnostic imaging, surgical nursing, microbiology, and clinical lab procedures. All programs include required externship hours.

There are over 230 AVMA-accredited programs in the United States. Source: NAVTA FAQs

2

Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination)

The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) three times per year. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering nine subject areas: pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical nursing, dentistry, laboratory procedures, anesthesia, animal care and nursing, pain management, emergency medicine/critical care, and diagnostic imaging. The exam takes approximately three hours.

Source: Indeed—How to Earn Your Veterinary Technician Certification (June 2024); AAVSB.org

3

Apply for State Licensure / Certification / Registration

Submit transcripts, VTNE scores, application fees, and any additional state requirements (background checks, reference letters, local exam) to your state's veterinary licensing board. Some states have alternate pathways such as work experience routes.

Source: Penn Foster—Guide to Vet Tech Certification by State (March 2026); AAVSB.org

4

Maintain Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Once credentialed, most states require ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure. Requirements vary: the national average is approximately 8.5 CE hours per year. Some states (e.g., New York) require 45 CE hours over three years; others (e.g., North Dakota) require only 8 CEUs every two years.

Source: NAVTA Policies (navta.net); Penn Foster—CVT vs. LVT vs. RVT (2025)

PRO TIP: VTNE Score Portability

  • If you're licensed in one state and move to another, your VTNE score is typically transferable—as long as both states use the VTNE.

  • You will still need to apply and pay fees to the new state's licensing board.

  • Some states may require additional testing—always check the AAVSB website for your destination state's requirements.

Source: NAVTA FAQs (navta.net)

Section #2.3

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

After earning core credentials and gaining clinical experience, vet techs can pursue advanced specialty certification through NAVTA-recognized academies. The Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation represents the highest level of vet tech credentialing in the United States.

In 1994, NAVTA established the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) to recognize credentialing bodies in specific veterinary disciplines. NAVTA recognizes more than a dozen specialty academies. Here are 10 of the most common.

Specialty

Specialty

Credential

Credential

Certifying academy

Certifying academy

Typical premium

Typical premium

Anesthesia & Analgesia

Anesthesia & Analgesia

VTS (Anesthesia)

VTS (Anesthesia)

AVTAA – Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia

AVTAA – Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia

~28% above baseline

~28% above baseline

Emergency & Critical Care

Emergency & Critical Care

VTS (ECC)

VTS (ECC)

AVECCT – Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians

AVECCT – Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians

~25% above baseline

~25% above baseline

Dentistry

Dentistry

VTS (Dentistry)

VTS (Dentistry)

AVDT – Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians

AVDT – Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians

~20% above baseline

~20% above baseline

Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

VTS (Internal Med.)

VTS (Internal Med.)

AIMVT – Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians

AIMVT – Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians

~20% above baseline

~20% above baseline

Surgery

Surgery

VTS (Surgery)

VTS (Surgery)

AVST – Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians

AVST – Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians

~22% above baseline

~22% above baseline

Oncology

Oncology

VTS (Oncology)

VTS (Oncology)

AVOT – Academy of Veterinary Oncology Technicians

AVOT – Academy of Veterinary Oncology Technicians

~18% above baseline

~18% above baseline

Behavior

Behavior

VTS (Behavior)

VTS (Behavior)

AVBT – The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians

AVBT – The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians

~15% above baseline

~15% above baseline

Clinical Pathology

Clinical Pathology

VTS (Clinical Path.)

VTS (Clinical Path.)

AVCPT – Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians

AVCPT – Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians

~18% above baseline

~18% above baseline

Zoological Medicine

Zoological Medicine

VTS (Zoo Med.)

VTS (Zoo Med.)

AVZMT – Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians

AVZMT – Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians

~20% above baseline

~20% above baseline

Nutrition

Nutrition

VTS (Nutrition)

VTS (Nutrition)

AVNT – Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians

AVNT – Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians

~15% above baseline

~15% above baseline

Source: NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (navta.net, 2025); VetTechColleges.com—Guide to Becoming a VTS (May 2025); VeterinaryTechnicianSalary.com (2026)

Section #2.4

General VTS requirements

To sit for a VTS exam, you'll need to already hold your state credential (CVT, LVT, or RVT) and usually 3+ years of hands-on work in the specialty. Expect to log specialty-specific CE, submit detailed case logs or reports, and collect letters of recommendation from veterinarians or current VTS holders. Then comes the written exam, which each academy runs on its own.

Source: VeterinaryTechnician.org—How to Become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (December 2025)

Section #3

Vet tech salary overview with key benchmarks

Where you live matters more than anything else for vet tech pay. Specialty, experience, and practice type come next, and so does holding a credential. Here are the national numbers.

U.S. National Salary Data

U.S. National
Salary Data

Canada National Salary Data

Canada National
Salary Data

Median Annual Salary: $45,980

Median Annual Salary: $45,980

National Median Hourly: C$25.62/hr (~C$53,290/yr)

National Median Hourly: C$25.62/hr (~C$53,290/yr)

Median Hourly Rate: $21.03/hr

Median Hourly Rate: $21.03/hr

Hourly Range: C$17.00–C$33.16/hr

Hourly Range: C$17.00–C$33.16/hr

10th Percentile: $32,120/yr

10th Percentile: $32,120/yr

Average Hourly (PayScale): C$20.29/hr

Average Hourly (PayScale): C$20.29/hr

25th Percentile: $37,390/yr

25th Percentile: $37,390/yr

Avg. RVT Hourly (PayScale): C$22.66/hr

Avg. RVT Hourly (PayScale): C$22.66/hr

75th Percentile: $50,960/yr

75th Percentile: $50,960/yr

Indeed Average Hourly: C$27.62/hr

Indeed Average Hourly: C$27.62/hr

90th Percentile: $60,880/yr

90th Percentile: $60,880/yr

Entry Level (< 3 yrs): ~C$32,129/yr

Entry Level (< 3 yrs): ~C$32,129/yr

Job Growth (2024–34): +9% (faster than avg.)

Job Growth (2024–34): +9% (faster than avg.)

Mid-career (4–9 yrs): ~C$38,705/yr

Mid-career (4–9 yrs): ~C$38,705/yr

Annual Openings (avg.): ~14,300/year

Annual Openings (avg.): ~14,300/year

Experienced (10+ yrs): ~C$45,400–52,668/yr

Experienced (10+ yrs): ~C$45,400–52,668/yr

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024; BLS OOH (August 2025)

Source: Government of Canada Job Bank (Nov. 2025); Canadian Veterinary Journal 2024; PayScale Canada (Dec. 2025); Indeed Canada (Mar. 2026)

Section #3.1

Salary by experience level (United States)

Experience level

Experience level

Approx. annual salary

Approx. annual salary

Notes

Notes

Entry Level (0–2 years)

Entry Level
(0–1 year)

$30,000–$37,000

$30,000–$37,000

New graduates; building clinical skills

New graduates; building clinical skills

Early Career (2–5 years)

Early Career
(1–3 years)

$37,000–$44,000

$37,000–$44,000

Gaining specialty exposure

Gaining specialty exposure

Mid-Career (5–10 years)

Mid-Career
(3–7 years)

$44,000–$52,000

$44,000–$52,000

Often pursuing VTS or supervisory roles

Often pursuing VTS or supervisory roles

Experienced (10–15 years)

Experienced
(7–12 years)

$50,000–$60,000

$50,000–$60,000

Specialty or leadership positions

Specialty or leadership positions

Senior / Specialist
(15+ yrs)

Senior / Specialist
(15+ yrs)

$58,000–$80,000+

$58,000–$80,000+

VTS, practice manager, academia

VTS, practice manager, academia

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 percentile data; VeterinaryTechnicianSalary.com (2026); Salary.com (Jan. 2026)

Section #3.2

Premium skills that boost salary

These are the highest premiums reported, not the typical ones. A VTS in internal medicine typically earns ~20% more than baseline (see section 2.3), but top earners report up to 47%.

Skill/Credential

Skill/Credential

Top reported premium

Typical Pay
Premium / Notes

VTS—Internal Medicine

VTS—Internal Medicine

Up to +47%

Up to +47%

VTS—Critical Care

VTS—Critical Care

Up to +44%

Up to +44%

VTS—Anesthesia

VTS—Anesthesia

Up to +28%

Up to +28%

VTS—Surgery

VTS—Surgery

Up to +22%

Up to +22%

Credentialed vs. Non-Credentialed

Credentialed vs. Non-Credentialed

+10–20%

+10–20%

Patient Care Specialty

Patient Care Specialty

Up to +24%

Up to +24%

Emergency / After-Hours

Emergency / After-Hours

+10–15% shift differential

+10–15% shift differential

Source: Salary.com 2026 | VeterinaryTechnicianSalary.com 2026

Section #4

U.S. state-by-state salary breakdown for vet techs

The following table provides median annual salary data for veterinary technicians in every U.S. state and the District of Columbia, along with the 10th and 90th percentile ranges and the standard credential title used in each jurisdiction. Data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024 survey, supplemented by Salary.com (January 2026) for states where BLS data was limited.

Important notes on salary data

  • BLS OEWS data reflects May 2024 survey results, the most recent federal data available as of early 2026.

  • State-level figures may not be available for all states in every BLS release due to sample size limitations.

  • Salary.com data (January 2026) reflects market compensation benchmarks and may differ slightly from BLS medians.

  • Actual offers vary based on employer, years of experience, practice type, and local cost of living.

  • Some states (e.g., Alaska) are supplemented with Salary.com 2026 figures where BLS data is limited.

State

State

Median Annual Salary

Median Annual Salary

Bottom 10%

Bottom 10%

Top 10%

Top 10%

Credential Title

Credential Title

Alabama

Alabama

$30,480

$30,480

$26,920

$26,920

$43,470

$43,470

LVT

LVT

Alaska

Alaska

$51,188

$51,188

$38,000

$38,000

$65,000

$65,000

LVT

LVT

Arizona

Arizona

$45,110

$45,110

$36,610

$36,610

$56,890

$56,890

LVT

LVT

Arkansas

Arkansas

$34,880

$34,880

$29,040

$29,040

$45,760

$45,760

CVMT

CVMT

California

California

$55,080

$55,080

$41,020

$41,020

$74,390

$74,390

RVT

RVT

Colorado

Colorado

$48,360

$48,360

$36,840

$36,840

$59,070

$59,070

CVT

CVT

Connecticut

Connecticut

$48,880

$48,880

$38,360

$38,360

$71,780

$71,780

CVT

CVT

Delaware

Delaware

$47,100

$47,100

$36,640

$36,640

$60,620

$60,620

LVT

LVT

Dist. of Columbia

Dist. of Columbia

$55,900

$55,900

$47,040

$47,040

$72,110

$72,110

LVT

LVT

Florida

Florida

$40,380

$40,380

$32,450

$32,450

$56,120

$56,120

LVMT

LVMT

Georgia

Georgia

$38,810

$38,810

$31,290

$31,290

$57,280

$57,280

LVT

LVT

Hawaii

Hawaii

$47,670

$47,670

$36,780

$36,780

$58,020

$58,020

CVT

CVT

Idaho

Idaho

$36,670

$36,670

$28,810

$28,810

$46,700

$46,700

RVT

RVT

Illinois

Illinois

$47,860

$47,860

$36,480

$36,480

$58,860

$58,860

CVT

CVT

Indiana

Indiana

$47,520

$47,520

$34,500

$34,500

$59,360

$59,360

CVT

CVT

Iowa

Iowa

$41,780

$41,780

$34,750

$34,750

$61,430

$61,430

CVT

CVT

Kansas

Kansas

$39,070

$39,070

$31,240

$31,240

$56,900

$56,900

CVT

CVT

Kentucky

Kentucky

$37,180

$37,180

$28,240

$28,240

$47,200

$47,200

CVT

CVT

Louisiana

Louisiana

$29,920

$29,920

$22,440

$22,440

$42,560

$42,560

LVT

LVT

Maine

Maine

$49,460

$49,460

$39,710

$39,710

$56,610

$56,610

CVT

CVT

Maryland

Maryland

$46,620

$46,620

$37,260

$37,260

$61,020

$61,020

CVT

CVT

Massachusetts

Mass.

$47,130

$47,130

$38,560

$38,560

$59,020

$59,020

CVT

CVT

Michigan

Michigan

$47,150

$47,150

$37,370

$37,370

$59,280

$59,280

CVT

CVT

Minnesota

Minnesota

$49,480

$49,480

$38,510

$38,510

$62,650

$62,650

CVT

CVT

Mississippi

Mississippi

$36,090

$36,090

$24,120

$24,120

$45,100

$45,100

CVT

CVT

Missouri

Missouri

$39,010

$39,010

$29,770

$29,770

$50,620

$50,620

CVT

CVT

Montana

Montana

$39,690

$39,690

$35,340

$35,340

$50,020

$50,020

CVT

CVT

Nebraska

Nebraska

$39,180

$39,180

$31,050

$31,050

$54,080

$54,080

CVT

CVT

Nevada

Nevada

$48,950

$48,950

$34,210

$34,210

$62,260

$62,260

RVT

RVT

New Hampshire

New Hampshire

$48,600

$48,600

$36,350

$36,350

$60,430

$60,430

CVT

CVT

New Jersey

New Jersey

$48,630

$48,630

$35,760

$35,760

$60,900

$60,900

CVT

CVT

New Mexico

New Mexico

$37,980

$37,980

$29,850

$29,850

$49,640

$49,640

CVT

CVT

New York

New York

$58,830

$58,830

$46,780

$46,780

$78,350

$78,350

CVT

CVT

North Carolina

North Carolina

$45,460

$45,460

$34,770

$34,770

$59,030

$59,030

CVT

CVT

North Dakota

North Dakota

$40,900

$40,900

$30,050

$30,050

$56,420

$56,420

CVT

CVT

Ohio

Ohio

$46,390

$46,390

$28,300

$28,300

$58,560

$58,560

CVT

CVT

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

$37,920

$37,920

$30,370

$30,370

$48,180

$48,180

CVT

CVT

Oregon

Oregon

$48,950

$48,950

$36,780

$36,780

$62,070

$62,070

RVT

RVT

Pennsylvania

Penn.

$41,910

$41,910

$32,820

$32,820

$55,230

$55,230

CVT

CVT

Rhode Island

Rhode Island

$42,230

$42,230

$37,390

$37,390

$58,470

$58,470

CVT

CVT

South Carolina

South Carolina

$37,960

$37,960

$29,900

$29,900

$61,200

$61,200

CVT

CVT

South Dakota

South Dakota

$45,220

$45,220

$33,280

$33,280

$49,080

$49,080

CVT

CVT

Tennessee

Tennessee

$36,940

$36,940

$30,250

$30,250

$48,630

$48,630

CVT

CVT

Texas

Texas

$37,250

$37,250

$28,800

$28,800

$49,390

$49,390

LVT

LVT

Utah

Utah

$39,400

$39,400

$29,060

$29,060

$48,660

$48,660

CVT

CVT

Vermont

Vermont

$46,650

$46,650

$40,440

$40,440

$57,710

$57,710

CVT

CVT

Virginia

Virginia

$55,790

$55,790

$39,600

$39,600

$72,260

$72,260

CVT

CVT

Washington

Washington

$59,080

$59,080

$47,050

$47,050

$74,520

$74,520

RVT

RVT

West Virginia

West Virginia

$36,350

$36,350

$27,660

$27,660

$47,710

$47,710

CVT

CVT

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

$45,340

$45,340

$36,710

$36,710

$58,520

$58,520

CVT

CVT

Wyoming

Wyoming

$37,580

$37,580

$22,180

$22,180

$47,460

$47,460

CVT

CVT

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2024—bls.gov/oes; AllAlliedHealthSchools.com Vet Tech Salary by State (December 2025); Salary.com Veterinary Technician Salary Benchmarks (January 2026). Credential titles sourced from Penn Foster Guide to Vet Tech Certification by State (March 2026) and AAVSB state listings.

Section #4.1

Top 10 highest-paying states

Rank

Rank

State

State

Median annual salary

Median annual salary

Key driver

Key driver

#1

#1

Washington

Washington

$59,080

$59,080

Seattle and Tacoma demand

Seattle and Tacoma demand

#2

#2

New York

New York

$58,830

$58,830

NYC metro pay and cost of living

NYC metro pay and cost of living

#3

#3

District of Columbia

District of Columbia

$55,900

$55,900

Urban specialty practices and government research

Urban specialty practices and government research

#4

#4

Virginia

Virginia

$55,790

$55,790

DC suburbs and research institutions

DC suburbs and research institutions

#5

#5

California

California

$55,080

$55,080

Large market and high cost of living

Large market and high cost of living

#6

#6

Alaska

Alaska

$51,188

$51,188

Remote markets and high cost of living

Remote markets and high cost of living

#7

#7

Minnesota

Minnesota

$49,480

$49,480

Strong Midwest market

Strong Midwest market

#8

#8

Maine

Maine

$49,460

$49,460

Rural demand and coastal specialty practices

Rural demand and coastal specialty practices

#9 (tie)

#9 (tie)

Nevada

Nevada

$48,950

$48,950

Las Vegas and Reno metro growth

Las Vegas and Reno metro growth

#9 (tie)

#9 (tie)

Oregon

Oregon

$48,950

$48,950

Portland metro growth

Portland metro growth

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024; Salary.com (January 2026)

Section #4.2

States with the most growth opportunity

The following states combine competitive salaries with strong projected job growth, making them particularly attractive for vet techs entering or expanding in the field:

  • Texas: Large population, growing pet ownership, significant hiring volume despite lower wages.

  • Florida: Second-largest employer of vet techs in the U.S.; 9.1% projected growth (per the BLS).

  • California: Highest absolute salaries; large employer base with specialty hospitals.

  • Washington: Consistently top-ranked for pay; strong Seattle-area demand.

  • Colorado: Growing Front Range population; above-average wages for the Mountain West.

Section #5

Canadian province-by-province salary breakdown for vet techs

In Canada, veterinary technicians are most commonly titled Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), though Quebec uses the designation Animal Health Technician (AHT). Canadian vet techs complete an accredited program through the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and must register with their provincial regulatory body.

Salary data in Canada is presented in Canadian dollars (CAD). The median national wage rate for RVTs was C$25.62 per hour (approximately C$53,290 per year) based on 2023 data from a study published in the Canadian Veterinary Journal (September 2024), authored by Darren Osborne, Director of Economic Research for the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association.

Notes on Canadian Salary Data

  • Median hourly wages are sourced from the Canadian Veterinary Journal (CVJ) 2023 data set, published September 2024 in PMC (PMC11339900).

  • Annual salary estimates are calculated at 2,080 hours/year (40 hrs/week × 52 weeks).

  • Government of Canada Job Bank figures (updated November 19, 2025) show a national range of C$17.00–C$33.16/hr.

  • PayScale Canada (December 2025) reports an average of C$20.29/hr for general vet tech roles; C$22.66/hr for credentialed RVTs.

  • Indeed Canada (March 2026) reports an average of C$27.62/hr nationally based on 1,500+ reported salaries.

  • All figures are in Canadian dollars (CAD). Exchange rates fluctuate.

Province / Territory

Province / Territory

Median wage (approx. annual)

Median wage (approx. annual) for RVTs

Low end (hourly)

Low end (hourly)

High end (hourly)

High end (hourly)

Credential title

British Columbia

British Columbia

$29.00/hr (~$60,320/yr)

$29.00/hr (~$60,320/yr)

$22.00/hr

$22.00/hr

$38.00/hr

$38.00/hr

RVT

Alberta

Alberta

$27.50/hr (~$57,200/yr)

$27.50/hr (~$57,200/yr)

$20.00/hr

$20.00/hr

$36.00/hr

$36.00/hr

RVT

Ontario

Ontario

$25.00/hr (~$52,000/yr)

$25.00/hr (~$52,000/yr)

$18.00/hr

$18.00/hr

$33.00/hr

$33.00/hr

RVT

Manitoba

Manitoba

$25.25/hr (~$52,520/yr)

$25.25/hr (~$52,520/yr)

$19.00/hr

$19.00/hr

$33.00/hr

$33.00/hr

RVT

Quebec

Quebec

$24.69/hr (~$51,355/yr)

$24.69/hr (~$51,355/yr)

$18.00/hr

$18.00/hr

$32.00/hr

$32.00/hr

RVT

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia

$24.04/hr (~$50,003/yr)

$24.04/hr (~$50,003/yr)

$18.00/hr

$18.00/hr

$31.00/hr

$31.00/hr

RVT

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan

$24.00/hr (~$49,920/yr)

$24.00/hr (~$49,920/yr)

$17.00/hr

$17.00/hr

$31.00/hr

$31.00/hr

RVT

Newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland & Labrador

$23.00/hr (~$47,840/yr)

$23.00/hr (~$47,840/yr)

$17.00/hr

$17.00/hr

$29.00/hr

$29.00/hr

RVT

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island

$22.00/hr (~$45,760/yr)

$22.00/hr (~$45,760/yr)

$17.00/hr

$17.00/hr

$28.00/hr

$28.00/hr

RVT

New Brunswick

New Brunswick

$20.00/hr (~$41,600/yr)

$20.00/hr (~$41,600/yr)

$16.00/hr

$16.00/hr

$26.00/hr

$26.00/hr

RVT

Northwest Territories

Northwest Territories

~$28.00/hr (~$58,240/yr)

~$28.00/hr (~$58,240/yr)

$22.00/hr

$22.00/hr

$36.00/hr

$36.00/hr

RVT

Yukon

Yukon

~$27.00/hr (~$56,160/yr)

~$27.00/hr (~$56,160/yr)

$21.00/hr

$21.00/hr

$35.00/hr

$35.00/hr

RVT

Nunavut

Nunavut

~$28.00/hr (~$58,240/yr)

~$28.00/hr (~$58,240/yr)

$22.00/hr

$22.00/hr

$36.00/hr

$36.00/hr

RVT

Sources: Osborne D. Comparing registered veterinary technician wages across Canada. Can Vet J. 2024 Sep;65(9):973–975. PMC11339900. Government of Canada Job Bank—NOC 32104 Veterinary Technician (Updated November 19, 2025). PayScale Canada—Veterinary Technician Hourly Rate (December 2025). Indeed Canada—Veterinary Technician Salaries (March 2026).

Section #5.1

Cost-of-living adjusted wages

Here's the surprise: once you adjust for cost of living, Quebec pays RVTs best in Canada, at C$28.63/hr in real purchasing power. That beats British Columbia and Alberta, even though both pay more on paper. Lower housing costs make the difference.

Thinking about moving provinces? Compare rent, commute, and childcare costs, not just the hourly rate.

Source: Osborne D. Can Vet J. 2024 Sep;65(9):973–975 (PMC11339900)

Section #6

Career growth & advancement strategies for vet techs

Clinics need more techs than they can find. The BLS projects 9% job growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all jobs, with about 14,300 openings a year. That gives you leverage, and the strategies below show how to use it.

Section #6.1

The vet tech career ladder

Career stage

Career stage

Title / Role

Title / Role

Typical annual salary (U.S.)

Typical annual salary (U.S.)

Key milestones

Key milestones

Entry Level

Entry Level

Veterinary Technician (credentialed)

Veterinary Technician (credentialed)

$30,000–$38,000

$30,000–$38,000

Pass VTNE; obtain state credential; externship completion

Pass VTNE; obtain state credential; externship completion

Early Career

Early Career

Staff Vet Tech

Staff Vet Tech

$38,000–$44,000

$38,000–$44,000

2–4 years clinical experience; CE accumulation; specialty exposure

2–4 years clinical experience; CE accumulation; specialty exposure

Mid-Level

Mid-Level

Senior / Lead Vet Tech

Senior / Lead Vet Tech

$44,000–$54,000

$44,000–$54,000

Supervisory duties; may pursue VTS; department lead

Supervisory duties; may pursue VTS; department lead

Specialist

Specialist

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

$52,000–$75,000+

$52,000–$75,000+

3+ years specialty exp.; VTS examination passed

3+ years specialty exp.; VTS examination passed

Advanced

Advanced

Practice Manager / Hospital Director

Practice Manager / Hospital Director

$55,000–$85,000+

$55,000–$85,000+

MBA or leadership training; oversees all clinical staff

MBA or leadership training; oversees all clinical staff

Educator/
Researcher

Educator/
Researcher

Vet Tech Educator / Lab Animal Tech

Vet Tech Educator / Lab Animal Tech

$48,000–$70,000+

$48,000–$70,000+

Bachelor's or Master's preferred; academic or research setting

Bachelor's or Master's preferred; academic or research setting

Sources: BLS OOH 2024; AllAlliedHealthSchools.com (2025); VeterinaryTechnicianSalary.com (2026); Salary.com (2026)

Section #6.2

Top strategies to increase your salary

1

Earn your state credential (if you haven't yet)

Credentialed veterinary technicians consistently earn 10–20% more than non-credentialed staff performing the same duties. If you have not yet passed the VTNE and obtained your CVT/LVT/RVT, this is the single highest-ROI career move available.

Source: VeterinaryTechnicianSalary.com (2026)

2

Pursue a VTS certification

VTS is the top credential a vet tech can earn, and it pays like it. Anesthesia and internal medicine specialists see the biggest jumps, with top earners reporting 28–47% above general practice pay. Expect 3+ years of specialty work, case logs, and exam fees before you get there.

Source: VeterinaryTechnicianSalary.com (2026)

3

Seek emergency or critical care positions

Emergency veterinary hospitals typically pay higher base wages plus shift differentials for overnight, weekend, and holiday work. These roles are in high demand due to the 24/7 nature of emergency care and often offer accelerated clinical development.

4

Relocate to a higher-paying market

A tech in Louisiana earns a median of $29,920. In Washington, the same job pays $59,080, almost double. Pay also runs high in California, New York, DC, and Connecticut, though rent does too.

5

Accumulate continuing education strategically

Beyond maintaining your license, targeted CE in high-demand areas (anesthesia, oncology, rehabilitation) signals expertise to employers and positions you for leadership and specialist roles. NAVTA, AAHA, AVMA, and specialty academies all offer CE pathways.

6

Bring numbers to your next review

Pull your state's median from the table above, then check three or four local job postings. When you walk into a review with real data, you're no longer guessing what's fair. You're showing it.

Salary.com recommends: if salaries in your market are in line with yours, request 15–20% more at negotiation time—supported by concrete examples of your value and any competing offers.

7

Explore non-clinical career paths

Vet techs with strong clinical backgrounds are highly valued in:

  • Pharmaceutical and medical device companies (sales, clinical research, product training)

  • Veterinary software companies (client education, implementation, support)

  • Animal nutrition companies (Hills, Royal Canin, Purina—technical sales and education)

  • Government agencies (USDA APHIS, FDA-CVM, state departments of agriculture)

  • Veterinary teaching institutions (clinical instructors, simulation lab directors)

Section #6.3

Job outlook: what's driving demand

Why are clinics struggling to hire techs? Six reasons:

Demand driver

Demand driver

Impact

Impact

Rising pet ownership

Rising pet ownership

The pandemic adoption boom grew the number of pets needing care.

The pandemic adoption boom grew the number of pets needing care.

More spending on pet health

More spending on pet health

Pet parents are paying for advanced diagnostics, specialty care, and prevention, so techs have more work to do.

Pet parents are paying for advanced diagnostics, specialty care, and prevention, so techs have more work to do.

Veterinarian shortage

Veterinarian shortage

With fewer DVMs available, techs take on more clinical work, especially in rural areas.

With fewer DVMs available, techs take on more clinical work, especially in rural areas.

Advances in veterinary medicine

Advances in veterinary medicine

New imaging, treatments, and surgeries need more skilled support per vet.

New imaging, treatments, and surgeries need more skilled support per vet.

Aging workforce

Aging workforce

As experienced techs retire, their jobs open up for new grads.

As experienced techs retire, their jobs open up for new grads.

Expanding scope of practice

Expanding scope of practice

States are weighing laws that let credentialed techs do more, which may raise productivity and pay.

States are weighing laws that let credentialed techs do more, which may raise productivity and pay.

Sources: BLS OOH—Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (August 2025); AllAlliedHealthSchools.com (December 2025); VetTechColleges.com (May 2025)

Section #7

Salary comparison with related roles in animal health care

Understanding how veterinary technician salaries compare to related roles helps contextualize career decisions, especially for those considering additional education or career transitions.

Career

Career

Education required

Education required

Median / annual salary (U.S.)

Median / annual salary (U.S.)

Job growth
(2024 - 2034)

Job growth
(2024 - 2034)

Veterinary Technologist / Technician

Veterinary Technologist / Technician

Associate or Bachelor's (AVMA-accredited)

Associate or Bachelor's (AVMA-accredited)

$45,980

$45,980

9% (BLS)

9% (BLS)

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

HS diploma / on-the-job training

HS diploma / on-the-job training

$37,320

$37,320

9% (BLS)

9% (BLS)

Animal Control Officer

Animal Control Officer

HS diploma + training

HS diploma + training

$45,830

$45,830

8% (BLS)

8% (BLS)

Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Clinical Laboratory Technologist

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree

$61,890

$61,890

6% (BLS)

6% (BLS)

Veterinarian (DVM)

Veterinarian (DVM)

Doctoral degree (4 yrs post-grad)

Doctoral degree (4 yrs post-grad)

$133,980

$133,980

9% (BLS)

9% (BLS)

Dental Hygienist (for comparison)

Dental Hygienist (for comparison)

Associate degree

Associate degree

$89,120

$89,120

9% (BLS)

9% (BLS)

Registered Nurse (for comparison)

Registered Nurse (for comparison)

BSN (typically)

BSN (typically)

$93,600

$93,600

6% (BLS)

6% (BLS)

Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (August 2025) for all occupations. Vet tech, vet assistant, animal control, and clinical lab data from BLS OOH individual occupation pages. Comparator professions included for context.

Here's the hard truth: vet techs earn more than vet assistants but far less than their human-medicine peers. A dental hygienist with the same two-year associate degree earns a median of $89,120, nearly double what a vet tech makes for similar clinical work.

Source: NAVTA Policies (navta.net)—Advocacy Platform 2024

Section #8

Key resources & organizations for veterinary technicians

Section #8.1

United States resources

Organization

Organization

Purpose

Purpose

Website

Website

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)

Professional membership, advocacy, VTS specialty academy oversight

Professional membership, advocacy, VTS specialty academy oversight

navta.net

navta.net

American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)

American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)

VTNE administration, state licensing information, score portability

VTNE administration, state licensing information, score portability

aavsb.org

aavsb.org

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

CVTEA accreditation of vet tech programs, scope of practice guides

CVTEA accreditation of vet tech programs, scope of practice guides

avma.org

avma.org

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Salary data, job growth projections, OEWS state-level data

Salary data, job growth projections, OEWS state-level data

bls.gov/ooh/healthcare

bls.gov/ooh/healthcare

CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop

O*NET occupation profiles, certification finder, wage data by zip code

O*NET occupation profiles, certification finder, wage data by zip code

careeronestop.org

careeronestop.org

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

CE accreditation, hospital accreditation, continuing education

CE accreditation, hospital accreditation, continuing education

aaha.org

aaha.org

Section #8.2

Canadian resources

Organization

Organization

Purpose

Purpose

Website

Website

Government of Canada Job Bank

Government of Canada Job Bank

Wage data by province, NOC 32104 veterinary technician occupational profiles

Wage data by province, NOC 32104 veterinary technician occupational profiles

jobbank.gc.ca

jobbank.gc.ca

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)

National advocacy, accreditation oversight for vet tech programs

National advocacy, accreditation oversight for vet tech programs

cvma-acmv.org

cvma-acmv.org

Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)

Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)

Ontario RVT credentialing and professional development

Ontario RVT credentialing and professional development

oavt.org

oavt.org

BC Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA)

BC Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA)

BC RVT registration and CE requirements

BC RVT registration and CE requirements

bcvta.com

bcvta.com

Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA)

Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA)

Alberta RVT regulation

Alberta RVT regulation

abvma.ca

abvma.ca

OTTSAQ

OTTSAQ

Quebec Animal Health Technician regulation

Quebec Animal Health Technician regulation

ottsaq.org

ottsaq.org

Section #8.3

Specialty academy resources

Academy

Academy

Specialty

Specialty

Website

Website

AVTA

AVTA

Anesthesia & Analgesia

Anesthesia & Analgesia

avta-vts.org

avta-vts.org

AVECCT

AVECCT

Emergency & Critical Care

Emergency & Critical Care

avecct.org

avecct.org

AVDT

AVDT

Dentistry

Dentistry

avdt.us

avdt.us

AVTS

AVTS

Surgery

Surgery

avts.net

avts.net

AVOT

AVOT

Oncology

Oncology

avottechnicians.com

avottechnicians.com

SVBT

SVBT

Behavior

Behavior

svbt.org

svbt.org

AAVCP

AAVCP

Clinical Pathology

Clinical Pathology

aavcp.org

aavcp.org

Section #9

Complete sources & citations

Primary sources

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 28). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)—May 2024 Survey. SOC Code 29-2056, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. https://www.bls.gov/oes/2024/may/oes292056.htm
3. Osborne, D. (2024, September). Comparing registered veterinary technician wages across Canada. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 65(9), 973–975. PubMed Central PMC11339900. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11339900/
4. Government of Canada. (2025, November 19). Veterinary Technician—Wages and Salaries (NOC 32104). Job Bank Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/4226/ca

Secondary sources

5. AllAlliedHealthSchools.com Staff. (2025, December 3). Veterinary Technician Salary by State. All Allied Health Schools. https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/vet-tech/salary/
6. AllAlliedHealthSchools.com Staff. (2025, December 5). Veterinary Technician Salary in Florida. All Allied Health Schools. https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/vet-tech/salary/florida/
7. Salary.com. (2026, January 1). Veterinary Technician Salary Benchmark—United States. Salary.com. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/veterinary-technician-salary
8. PayScale. (2025, December 9). Average Veterinary Technician Hourly Pay in Canada. PayScale. https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Veterinary_Technician/Hourly_Rate
9. PayScale. (2025). Average Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Hourly Pay in Canada. PayScale. https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Registered_Veterinary_Technician_(RVT)/Hourly_Rate
10. Indeed Canada. (2026, March 1). Veterinary Technician Salary in Canada. Indeed.ca. https://ca.indeed.com/career/veterinary-technician/salaries
11. Jobted Canada. (2026). Veterinary Technician Salary in Canada. Jobted.ca. https://ca.jobted.com/salary/veterinary-technician
12. Penn Foster. (2026, March 6). Guide to Vet Tech Certification by State. Penn Foster Blog. https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/guide-to-vet-tech-certification-by-state
13. Penn Foster. (2025). CVT vs. LVT vs. RVT: What's the Difference? Penn Foster Blog. https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/difference-between-cvt-lvt-rvt
14. NAVTA. (2025). FAQs—National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. navta.net/faqs/
15. NAVTA. (2024). Veterinary Technician Specialties. Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties. navta.net/veterinary-technician-specialties/
16. NAVTA. (2022). NAVTA Policies and Advocacy Positions. navta.net/policies/
17. VetTechColleges.com. (2025, May 2). A Guide for Aspiring Vet Tech Specialists—How to Become a VTS. https://www.vettechcolleges.com/blog/guide-to-becoming-a-vts
18. VeterinaryTechnician.org. (2025, December 11). How to Become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). https://veterinarytechnician.org/careers/veterinary-technician-specialist
19. VeterinaryTechnicianSalary.com. (2026). Veterinary Technician Salary Data 2026: BLS Data Updated March 2026. https://www.veterinarytechniciansalary.com/
20. CareerOneStop / O*NET. (2024). Occupation Profile: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2056.00). U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.careeronestop.org
21. AllAlliedHealthSchools.com. (2026, January 27). Veterinary Technician Job Description: What You'll Do as a Vet Tech. https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/vet-tech/veterinary-technician-job-description/
22. Indeed.com. (2024, June 28). How to Earn Your Veterinary Technician Certification in 6 Steps. Indeed Career Advice. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/vet-tech-certification

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