How Much Does a Certified Veterinary Technician Make? (2025)
Understanding the certified veterinary technician's salary can be helpful if you're considering a career in veterinary medicine. As of February 2024, the average certified veterinary technician salary in the United States is $40,400 per year, and employment for this role is expected to grow 19 percent from 2023 to 2033.
This salary guide explores everything you need to know about the certified veterinary technician role, including job descriptions and salary expectations, especially with factors that influence pay, such as experience, location, and industry demand.
What Does a Certified Veterinary Technician do?
Certified veterinary technicians assist veterinarians with exams, surgeries, and first aid. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, providing nursing care, and performing diagnostic tests such as lab work, X-rays, EKGs, and ultrasounds. They often work in private clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities.
According to the BLS, their responsibilities also include:
- Observing animal behavior and condition.
- Providing nursing care or emergency first aid.
- Bathing, clipping nails, and grooming animals.
- Restraining animals during exams or procedures.
- Administering anesthesia and monitoring responses.
- Collecting and performing lab tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts.
- Preparing animals and instruments for surgery.
- Administering medications, vaccines, and treatments.
- Recording case histories.
As the job title suggests, certified veterinary technicians complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, a clinical externship, and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). The role usually requires an associate degree and 3 to 5 years of experience.
What is Certified Veterinary Technician Salary Overview?
As mentioned, the average vet tech salary in the United States is $40,400 per year or $19 per hour, as of February 2025.
Based on our data, the certified veterinary technician salary range is between $28,173 to $54,919 per year, with most earning reported between $34,000 and $48,000. The certified veterinary technician per month is $3,367.
Moreover, certified veterinary technicians often earn an average of $19 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $14 to $26. The average weekly salary for certified veterinary technicians is $777, with pay ranging from $542 to $923.
2025 Certified Veterinary Technician Average Salary: $40,400 per year ($19 per hour)
Meanwhile, the median core salary for certified veterinary technicians is $40,400 per year. This includes salary and bonuses and varies depending on the percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,173 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,000 |
| 50th Percentile | $40,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $54,919 |
The average total salary for certified veterinary technicians is $58,963, according to our report. The total compensation package for the role includes benefits like healthcare ($6,056), time off ($4,972), and Social Security ($3,091), which make up 18.8% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $40,400 | 68.5% |
| Bonus | 0 | 0% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $3,091 | 5.2% |
| 401K/403B | $1,899 | 3.2% |
| Disability | $323 | 0.5% |
| Healthcare | $6,056 | 10.3% |
| Pension | $2,222 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $4,972 | 8.4% |
| Total Compensation | $58,963 | 100% |
What Can Affect Certified Veterinary Technician Salaries?
The salary of certified veterinary technicians varies based on factors such as experience, location, education, and skills. Here is a breakdown of the key factors that influence earnings.
By Experience Level
According to our report, many vet techs with less than a year of experience earn an average salary of $37,461 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of $43,970 per year.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Certified Veterinary Technician | $37,461 |
| Intermediate Level Certified Veterinary Technician | $37,931 |
| Senior Level Certified Veterinary Technician | $39,342 |
| Specialist Level Certified Veterinary Technician | $42,496 |
| Expert Level Certified Veterinary Technician | $43,970 |
By Geographic Location
Also, the salary of a certified veterinary technician in the United States varies by location, probably influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economy, and industry presence.
For example, among major cities in the United States, San Jose has the highest average salary at $50,700 per year, while Miami and Dallas have lower median salaries, both at $39,000 per year.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $42,700 | $50,700 | $60,300 |
| San Francisco, California | $42,500 | $50,500 | $60,000 |
| Washington, D.C. | $37,900 | $45,000 | $53,500 |
| Miami, Florida | $32,800 | $39,000 | $46,300 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $35,700 | $42,400 | $50,400 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $35,700 | $42,400 | $50,400 |
| New York, New York | $38,100 | $45,300 | $53,800 |
| Dallas, Texas | $33,600 | $39,900 | $47,400 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for certified veterinary technicians. Our Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with clinical laboratory testing skills can see a 12.49% pay increase, while those with IV catheter placement skills may receive 11.83%. The demand for these skills is 5.79% and 3.70%, respectively.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Laboratory Testing | +12.49% | 5.79% |
| IV Catheter Placement | +11.83% | 3.70% |
| Animal Health | +8.15% | 4.29% |
| Laboratory Procedures | +8.14% | 3.00% |
| Radiology | +7.16% | 14.22% |
| Animal Care | +6.63% | 23.27% |
How to Become a Certified Veterinary Technician
Becoming a certified veterinary technician requires specific qualifications, including education, experience, and required skills. Here's how to become one:
- Get education: According to the BLS, veterinary technicians need a 2-year associate’s degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA-accredited program. These programs, often part of a vet school curriculum, cover animal care, lab tests, and medical procedures. Taking biology and science classes in high school can help with preparation.
- Get certification and licensing: Most states require veterinary technicians to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Some states may have additional licensing or certification requirements.
- Develop key skills: Veterinary technicians need to communicate with vets, coworkers, and pet owners. They must be compassionate, detail-oriented, and able to handle medical tools and lift animals. Skills like clinical lab testing and IV catheter placement can also help vet techs earn more money.
What are the FAQs about Certified Veterinary Technician?
Here are some common questions about certified veterinary technician salary:
What is the difference between certified and licensed vet tech?
Certified, registered, and licensed veterinary technicians (CVT, LVT, and RVT) are all the same. The different titles simply reflect variations in state regulations. Regardless of the title, these professionals have typically graduated from an accredited program and passed a national exam.
Is it worth getting certified as a vet tech?
Becoming a certified, licensed, or registered veterinary technician is a good choice for those passionate about animal care and looking for a stable career. With more households owning pets and spending on pet care rising, the BLS expects strong demand for veterinary technicians.
However, the job can be physically and emotionally demanding, often requiring long hours, including evenings and weekends.
What is the highest paid veterinary technician?
As of February 2025, the highest salary for certified veterinary technicians can reach $54,919, but pay varies based on experience, location, and skills.
Can you be a vet tech without a license?
It depends on the state. Some allow veterinary assistants or technicians to work without certification, while others require it. In states with mandatory credentials, working without a license is illegal.
Is a vet tech higher than a vet assistant?
Yes, veterinary technicians are considered to have a higher level of education, training, and responsibility than veterinary assistants. They complete a program, pass exams, and earn credentials to perform tasks like anesthesia and X-rays. Assistants, on the other hand, get on-the-job training and help with basic tasks like cleaning and restraining animals.
