Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 1,360 | $30,780 | $14.80 | |
| Alaska | 300 | $43,510 | $20.92 | |
| Arizona | 3,280 | $36,190 | $17.40 | |
| Arkansas | 340 | $29,850 | $14.35 | |
| California | 9,350 | $45,140 | $21.70 | |
| Colorado | 3,800 | $39,980 | $19.22 | |
| Connecticut | 1,790 | $44,380 | $21.34 | |
| Delaware | 450 | $37,000 | $17.79 | |
| District of Columbia | 160 | $68,110 | $32.75 | |
| Florida | 8,580 | $35,840 | $17.23 | |
| Georgia | 3,000 | $37,560 | $18.06 | |
| Hawaii | 230 | $43,420 | $20.87 | |
| Idaho | 750 | $34,660 | $16.66 | |
| Illinois | 4,150 | $43,310 | $20.82 | |
| Indiana | 2,240 | $35,230 | $16.94 | |
| Iowa | 1,210 | $35,630 | $17.13 | |
| Kansas | 1,240 | $36,310 | $17.46 | |
| Kentucky | 2,090 | $31,520 | $15.15 | |
| Louisiana | 2,020 | $28,380 | $13.64 | |
| Maine | 770 | $38,990 | $18.74 | |
| Maryland | 2,410 | $40,250 | $19.35 | |
| Massachusetts | 3,470 | $43,290 | $20.81 | |
| Michigan | 3,230 | $38,540 | $18.53 | |
| Minnesota | 3,450 | $39,740 | $19.11 | |
| Mississippi | 560 | $28,300 | $13.61 | |
| Missouri | 1,360 | $33,240 | $15.98 | |
| Montana | 620 | $32,980 | $15.86 | |
| Nebraska | 650 | $36,930 | $17.76 | |
| Nevada | 770 | $44,180 | $21.24 | |
| New Hampshire | 900 | $41,390 | $19.90 | |
| New Jersey | 3,130 | $42,020 | $20.20 | |
| New Mexico | 630 | $33,290 | $16.00 | |
| New York | 5,100 | $45,560 | $21.90 | |
| North Carolina | 4,030 | $36,300 | $17.45 | |
| North Dakota | 310 | $37,170 | $17.87 | |
| Ohio | 4,740 | $36,510 | $17.55 | |
| Oklahoma | 980 | $33,200 | $15.96 | |
| Oregon | 1,320 | $40,960 | $19.69 | |
| Pennsylvania | 5,370 | $37,670 | $18.11 | |
| Rhode Island | 400 | $38,050 | $18.29 | |
| South Carolina | 2,100 | $38,230 | $18.38 | |
| South Dakota | 310 | $34,440 | $16.56 | |
| Tennessee | 1,830 | $33,700 | $16.20 | |
| Texas | 13,910 | $33,040 | $15.88 | |
| Utah | 1,320 | $32,310 | $15.54 | |
| Vermont | 340 | $35,140 | $16.89 | |
| Virginia | 2,310 | $41,840 | $20.12 | |
| Washington | 2,730 | $47,550 | $22.86 | |
| West Virginia | 480 | $32,480 | $15.62 | |
| Wisconsin | 2,530 | $37,510 | $18.03 | |
| Wyoming | 310 | $33,280 | $16.00 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of veterinarians, laboratory animal specialists, and zoological professionals, to provide patient management, care, and clinical procedures assistance as well as owner communication. Includes instruction in animal nursing care, animal health and nutrition, animal handling, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, clinical laboratory procedures, office administration skills, patient and owner management, and applicable standards and regulations.
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$38,250 per yearNational average salaryVery HighJob growth rate
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Associate's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as veterinary technologists and technicians.
- Less than high school 2%
- High school graduate 16%
- College dropout 24%
- Associate’s degree 33%
- Bachelor’s degree 23%
- Master’s degree 2%
- Doctorate degree 1%
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