As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Veterinary Technicians is $38,250, compared to $109,920 for Veterinarians. This shows that the pay for Veterinarians is much higher than for Veterinary Technicians.
Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For example, Veterinary Technicians in Washington DC may have higher earnings (averaging $68,110 per annum) compared to those in Mississippi ($28,300). As another example, the average income of Veterinarians in Washington DC is 67% higher compared to those in Montana.
Veterinary Technicians vs Veterinarians overview
Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians are two important jobs in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry. Many people are interested in understanding the distinctions between these job titles, including the average salary for each of them.
Veterinary Technician job description
Alternative names: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Veterinary 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.
Veterinary Technician education and experience
Of Veterinary Technicians, 41% hold a High School Diploma, 26% have an Associate's Degree, and 15% hold a Post-Secondary Certificate. With regard to experience, about a third of Veterinary Technician jobs require a 6 months to 1 year of work-related experience. A smaller part of jobs (20%) do not require any previous experience.
Veterinary Technician average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 118,670 Veterinary Technicians in 2021 and the mean income they earned annually was $38,250. The lowest earning 10 percent made $28,370 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $48,100 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has increased by 1%.
Do Veterinary Technicians make good money?
Veterinary Technicians are not typically well paid, as their average salary is about a third lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn 58% less than the average pay of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).
Veterinary Technicians are not typically well paid, as their average salary is about a third lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Veterinary Technicians job growth
In 2021, there have been 9,180 more Veterinary Technician roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 8.4%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been 3.7%.
Veterinarian job description
Veterinarians diagnose, treat, or research diseases and injuries of animals. Includes veterinarians who conduct research and development, inspect livestock, or care for pets and companion animals.
Veterinarian education and experience
The majority of Veterinarians (79%) have obtained a Doctoral Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Post-Doctoral Training (12%) and a First Professional Degree (9%). With regard to experience, about a quarter of Veterinarian jobs require a 1 to 2 years of work-related experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (19%) do not require any previous experience.
Veterinarian average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Veterinarians employed in the United States was 77,260, and they earned an average of $109,920 per year. The bottom 10 percent had earnings of $60,760 or less, and the top 10 percent had earnings of $165,600 or more. The average salary has increased by 1.4% compared the previous year.
Do Veterinarians make good money?
Veterinarians are usually paid well, as their average salary is 89% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 21% more than the average wage of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services industry ($91,150).
Veterinarians are usually paid well, as their average salary is 89% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Veterinarians job growth
In 2021, there have been 3,550 more Veterinarian positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 4.8%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 2.9%.
FAQ
Do Veterinary Technicians or Veterinarians make more?
Veterinarians make almost two times more than Veterinary Technicians. The average annual salary for Veterinary Technicians is $38,250, while Veterinarians earn $109,920 per year.
How long does it take to become a Veterinary Technician vs Veterinarian?
Veterinary Technicians typically only need a High School Diploma. On the other hand, Veterinarians typically need a Doctoral Degree. A Doctoral Degree itself usually takes between 4 years and 6 years to obtain. However, if we consider that a Master's Degree is required beforehand, it might take around 13 years to complete the full education.
Is it harder to become a Veterinary Technician vs Veterinarian?
It is more difficult to become a Veterinarian than a Veterinary Technician, since it takes 13 more years of education.