What Veterinary Technologists and Technicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Veterinary Technologists and Technicians this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted"; "Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery"; "Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians"; "Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems"; "Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is associate's degree.
Job outlook for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 131,400 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 143,800 in 2035, an increase of 12,400 jobs (+9.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 13,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,380, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Veterinary Technologists and Technicians earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $54,400 in New Jersey to $57,556 in New York, a gap of $3,157 (1.06 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $47,380 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,910, which is 55.5% of the 16,050 counted across them. New York follows with 7,140.
Highest-paying states
New York ($57,556) and New Jersey ($54,400) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($54,400) and New York ($57,556) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Surgical Technologists, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians and Psychiatric Technicians belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-2000) include Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Frequently asked questions about Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
What is the national median wage for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $47,380. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $54,400 to $57,556.
Which state pays Veterinary Technologists and Technicians the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $57,556. New Jersey is next at $54,400.
What is the job outlook for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?
BLS projects employment to grow by 9.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 13,400 openings a year.
What education do Veterinary Technologists and Technicians need?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree, according to BLS.