How to Become a Veterinary Technologist
Run lab tests, assist in surgery, and provide nursing care for animals under a veterinarian's direction. It typically requires an associate degree, with a median salary of $47,380 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$47,380/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
14,300
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Laboratory Testing
- Animal Handling
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Client Communication
Helpful certifications
- CVT/RVT/LVT (credentialed veterinary technician, varies by state)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Veterinary Technologist make?
The median pay for a Veterinary Technologist is $47,380 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Veterinary Technologist?
The usual entry point is an associate degree. Common majors are Veterinary Technology, Animal Science, and Biology.
Is Veterinary Technologist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 14,300 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Veterinary Technologist use most?
Common skills for this role are Laboratory Testing, Animal Handling, Monitoring, Critical Thinking, and Client Communication.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.