VET TECH CAREER GROWTH

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to grow 36% over the 2008-18 period, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Pet owners are becoming more affluent and more willing to pay for advanced veterinary care because many of them consider their pet to be part of the family. This growing affluence and view of pets is expected to continue to increase the demand for veterinary care and veterinary technicians.

Veterinary technician job opportunities are expected to be attractive because the number of job openings is expected to exceed the number of new graduates. Demand for veterinary care also has grown through the recession, as animals’ medical care is a priority for owners.

A veterinary technician is likely to have greater career opportunities than a lesser-trained veterinary assistant. Veterinary technicians can perform a much wider variety of medical procedures and a much wider variety of supporting tasks. Both veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants work under the supervision of a veterinarian.

The majority of veterinary technicians work for private animal clinics and animal hospitals. Veterinary technicians can also work in biomedical research facilities, animal shelters, wildlife medicine, pharmaceutical companies, and even government agencies

Salary ranges can vary, depending on the state, the type of facility, and experience of the veterinary technician.  The mean annual vet tech salary across the United States in 2007 was $28,920, with the top ten percent earning an average of $40,550.  These salaries can compare favorably to those in other fields requiring a similar education.

Veterinary technicians are generally offered a variety of other benefits, including medical insurance, dental insurance, sick pay, vacation days, and even 401ks. Like any career, veterinary technicians with more experience command higher salaries and are given more responsibilities.

Veterinary technicians generally have different responsibilities than a veterinary assistant would have.  Veterinary technicians also can specialize in a specific area.