How much does a Certified Veterinary Technician make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Certified Veterinary Technician in the United States is $42,100. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $37,500 to $46,300, with most professionals earning between $33,312 and $50,124.

Certified Veterinary Technician Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $46,300 $3,858 $890 $22
Average $42,100 $3,508 $810 $20
25th Percentile $37,500 $3,125 $721 $18

Average Salary

25% $37,500 10% $33,312 90% $50,124 75% $46,300 $42,100 50%(Median)
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How much does a Certified Veterinary Technician make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Certified Veterinary Technician salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Certified Veterinary Technician is about $42,100 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $20, a monthly salary of about $3,508, and a weekly pay of around $810 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Certified Veterinary Technician hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Certified Veterinary Technician's Salary?

An entry-level Certified Veterinary Technician with less than 1 year of experience earns about $40,246. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $40,590. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $41,619. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $43,479, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $44,294.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Certified Veterinary Technician $40,246
Intermediate Level Certified Veterinary Technician $40,590
Senior Level Certified Veterinary Technician $41,619
Specialist Level Certified Veterinary Technician $43,479
Expert Level Certified Veterinary Technician $44,294
$40,246 0 yr
$40,590 < 2 yrs
$41,619 2-4 yrs
$43,479 5-8 yrs
$44,294 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 4%
Mid Level 4%
Senior Level 1%
Top Level 3%
Experienced 5%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Certified Veterinary Technician vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Certified Veterinary Technician is $52,500.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $48,700.
  • In Boston, MA, a Certified Veterinary Technician earns $46,900 per year.

What is the salary trend of Certified Veterinary Technician?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Certified Veterinary Technician compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $50,038 in 2023 to approximately $49,982 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Certified Veterinary Technician salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Certified Veterinary Technician Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$50,038
2023
$49,982
2024
$49,565
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$50,038
2024
$49,982
2025
$49,565
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Certified Veterinary Technician Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $50,038
2024 $49,982
2025 $49,565
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Certified Veterinary Technician

Salary.com job board provides millions of Certified Veterinary Technician information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Certified Veterinary Technician job openings or enter a new job title here.

Most Common Benefits for Certified Veterinary Technician

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 68.8%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.3%
401k/403b 3.2%
Disability 0.6%
Healthcare 9.9%
Pension 3.8%
Time Off 8.5%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $42,100 68.8%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $3,221 5.3%
401K/403B $1,979 3.2%
Disability $337 0.6%
Healthcare $6,056 9.9%
Pension $2,316 3.8%
Time Off $5,182 8.5%
Total Compensation $61,189 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

FAQ about Certified Veterinary Technician

1. What is the highest paid veterinary technician?

The highest paid Certified Veterinary Technicians can earn up to $47,900 annually. The salary range for this profession typically starts at a minimum of $33,900, with a median salary around $40,300. This reflects the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field.

2. How to make 6 figures as a vet tech?

To make six figures as a vet tech, consider specializing in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care or anesthesiology. While the average salary ranges from $33,900 to $47,900, advanced certifications and experience can lead to significantly higher earnings. Continuous education and skill enhancement are key to maximizing your income potential.

3. Is vet school longer than med school?

Veterinary school typically takes four years to complete, similar to medical school, which also generally lasts four years. However, the path to becoming a veterinarian may include additional undergraduate coursework. After graduation, Certified Veterinary Technicians can expect salaries ranging from $33,900 to $47,900, with a median salary of $40,300.

4. Which pays more vet tech or vet assistant?

The financial compensation for veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants reflects their education, training, and scope of responsibilities. On average, veterinary technicians earn between $33,900 and $47,900, with a median salary of $40,300. This is generally higher than veterinary assistants, who typically earn less due to their different levels of training and responsibilities.

5. How much do vet techs make an hour?

Certified Veterinary Technicians typically earn between $16.27 and $23.06 per hour, based on a salary range of $33,900 to $47,900 annually. The median hourly wage is approximately $19.37. Salaries can vary by state, with some regions offering higher pay due to demand and cost of living.

6. How long is vet tech school in USA?

Vet tech school in the USA typically takes 2 to 4 years to complete, offering either an Associate or Bachelor's degree. The duration depends on whether you attend full-time or part-time. After graduation, Certified Veterinary Technicians can expect salaries ranging from $33,900 to $47,900, with a median salary of $40,300. Choose a program that fits your career goals.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a Certified Veterinary Technician is $42,100 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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