How Much Does a Vet Tech Make an Hour?

Find out how much a vet tech makes an hour and what the job outlook is for this career.

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Introduction

Vet techs are responsible for a variety of tasks in veterinary offices, clinics, and hospitals. They may assist veterinarians in examining and treating animals, take X-rays, prepare animals and instruments for surgery, perform laboratory tests, and provide nursing care. Vet techs also handle administrative duties such as ordering supplies, maintaining medical records, and billing clients. Many vet techs specialize in a particular area of animal care, such as dentistry, anesthesia, nutrition, or internal medicine.

What Does a Vet Tech Do?

Vet techs are an important part of the veterinary team. They work alongside veterinarians and help to provide quality care for animals. Vet techs are responsible for a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, collecting samples, performing laboratory tests, administering vaccinations, and much more.

While the job of a vet tech can be demanding, it is also rewarding. Vet techs have the satisfaction of knowing that they are helping to improve the lives of animals. They also enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package.

So, how much does a vet tech make an hour? The answer is that it depends on a number of factors, including experience, location, and employer. In general, vet techs make between $12 and $20 per hour. Experienced vet techs who work in metropolitan areas can earn closer to $30 per hour.

How Much Does a Vet Tech Make?

The average vet tech makes about $15 an hour. However, this number can range depending on the state that you live in and the type of facility that you work in. For example, a vet tech in a rural area is going to make less than a vet tech in a major city.

National Average

As of Nov 5, 2020, the average hourly pay for a Veterinary Technician in the United States is $16.68 an hour.

Top 10%

The top 10% of vet techs make more than $20.64 per hour, or $42,880 per year. The bottom 10% of vet techs make less than $12.53 per hour, or $26,010 per year.

Bottom 10%

The bottom 10% of veterinary technicians earned an hourly wage of $10.42 or less, while the top 10% earned $20.67 or more per hour. The lowest-paid 10% of veterinary technicians worked in cereal manufacturing, where the median hourly wage was $9.48.

How to Become a Vet Tech

There are many ways to become a vet tech, but the most common route is to complete an accredited two-year program at a community college or technical school. Many of these programs are affiliated with animal hospitals or clinics, which can offer hands-on experience working with veterinarians and animals. Some students may also choose to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, which can lead to more advanced career opportunities.

Once you have completed your education, you will need to pass a national exam administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association in order to become registered and credentialed as a veterinary technician. Once you have passed the exam, you will be able to find employment at animal hospitals, clinics, research facilities, zoos, and aquariums. The median hourly wage for vet techs is $17.90, although wages can vary depending on experience and location.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the average vet tech makes $17.51 an hour. The top 10% of earners make over $24 an hour while the bottom 10% earn less than $13 an hour.

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