An individual who loves animals and would like to work with them should consider a career as a veterinary technician, and begin enjoying the benefits of a vet tech salary. The job of a vet tech can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be heartbreaking. Learn more about the job of a vet tech, the training required to become a vet tech and the vet tech salary before jumping into the profession.
| Profession | Median Annual Salary |
| Vet Tech | $29,700 |
A vet tech provides care for domestic animals of all sorts in veterinary clinics, urgent care centers and research laboratories. A vet tech’s job is to help with veterinary procedures such as examinations, specimen collection, diagnostic procedures, spaying and neutering, surgeries and euthanasia. A vet tech is also often responsible for maintaining the practices’ supplies, medicine and equipment.
Career Prospects for Vet Techs
There are many career prospects for vet techs even in a weak economy. Most vet techs find job opportunities in veterinary offices, clinics and hospitals. Other vet techs choose to work in research laboratories, zoos, pet stores and wildlife parks. There are also jobs available for vet techs in animal shelters and animal control agencies.
Vet Tech Training
The most common path to becoming a vet tech is by receiving a two-year Associate’s degree from a program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. An Associate’s degree program prepares individuals for assisting with veterinary procedures by lecturing and providing clinic and lab experience with animals. These programs are available online and on-campus. Some individuals also gain employment as vet techs by receiving training while on the job. These individuals typically receive lower salaries, and do not have job flexibility.
Vet Tech Salary Levels
Working as a vet tech will not make you rich, but it can provide a stable income that can support your lifestyle. Many vet tech positions are full time, and employers provide benefits such as vacation pay, sick leave, a 401(k) plan and health benefits. According to a 2010 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the bottom 10 percent of vet techs make $20,500 each year. The average salary was $29,710, and the top 10 percent of vet techs made $44,030 per year.
The job of a vet tech is emotionally and financially rewarding. Individuals can become vet techs in only two years and and enjoy the vet tech salary.
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