What does a veterinary technician do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Veterinary technologists and technicians do medical tests that help diagnose animals' injuries and illnesses. Technicians usually need a 2-year associate's degree, and most states require an exam. BLS reports a median pay of $47,380 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-2056 |
| O*NET code | 29-2056.00 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree |
| Median annual wage | $47,380 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 9 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 131,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a veterinary technician do?
BLS says veterinary technologists and technicians observe animals' behavior and condition, give nursing care or emergency first aid, restrain animals during exams, administer anesthesia and monitor responses, take x-rays and run lab tests such as urinalyses and blood counts, prepare animals and instruments for surgery, give medications and vaccines, and collect and record case histories.
Work environment
They work mostly in private clinics and animal hospitals. Veterinary services employ 89 percent. BLS says injury and illness rates are among the highest of all occupations, and evening, weekend and holiday shifts are common.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says technicians usually need a 2-year associate's degree and technologists a 4-year bachelor's degree, both from a veterinary technology program. Most states require an exam, and registration, licensure or certification depends on the state.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, compassion, attention to detail, manual dexterity and physical strength as important qualities for this work.
How much does a veterinary technician make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $47,380 for veterinary technologists and technicians (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of veterinary technologists and technicians to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 13,400 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Check your state veterinary board for the credential name and exam your state uses.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Veterinarians, Phlebotomists, Radiologic and MRI technologists, Surgical assistants and technologists.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a veterinary technician and technologist? BLS says technicians usually need a 2-year associate's degree and technologists a 4-year bachelor's degree, both from a veterinary technology program.
Do veterinary technicians need a license? BLS says most states require an exam, and whether you register, license or certify depends on the state.
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $47,380 for veterinary technologists and technicians (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is veterinary technician a good career? BLS projects 9 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 13,400 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Phlebotomist Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Radiologic and MRI Technologist Do? Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary technologists and technicians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-2056.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2056.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.