Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Veterinary technologists and technicians perform laboratory and clinical medical work to diagnose and treat animal diseases. They work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, and diagnostic laboratories, preparing blood and tissue samples, running tests like urinalysis and blood counts, and sterilizing equipment. Most positions are in small animal veterinary practices.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against veterinary technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves collecting blood and tissue samples from animals, running laboratory tests such as urinalysis and blood cultures, preparing vaccines and serums, and cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment. Technicians document test results, assist veterinarians during procedures, and may help educate pet owners about preventive care. Tasks vary between clinical patient care and laboratory work depending on the facility and daily schedule.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you enjoy hands-on problem-solving and investigating the causes of health problems—the realistic and investigative interests that draw people to this field. You're comfortable working with animals and lab equipment, detail-oriented about accuracy, and interested in how medical testing helps diagnose and treat disease.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Maintenance Shop Technician · Republic Services · Dixon, Solano County · $71,014–$71,014
- US Tech - Vendor Alliance Senior Manager · PwC · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $218,956–$218,956
- Emergency Department Technician II · KAISER · Roseville, Placer County · $56,302–$56,302
- Customer Service Technician · Agiliti Health · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $39,748–$61,172
- Financial Accounts Technician · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Leavenworth, Kansas · $46150–$59994
- Pharmacy Technician (Inpatient Oncology) · Veterans Health Administration · Long Beach, California · $80677–$104876
- Medical Technician · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Maxwell AFB, Alabama · $50460–$65599
- Surgical Technician · Veterans Health Administration · Saint Cloud, Minnesota · $55012–$71517
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $50,390 | $61,270 | $80,030 | 120 |
| California | $51,570 | $60,630 | $64,100 | 11,310 |
| Washington | $50,700 | $59,740 | $64,480 | 2,290 |
| New York | $50,410 | $59,010 | $66,310 | 5,350 |
| Minnesota | $49,080 | $57,270 | $60,560 | 3,560 |
| Oregon | $48,360 | $55,810 | $62,460 | 1,120 |
| Virginia | $46,030 | $52,090 | $62,040 | 2,790 |
| Connecticut | $48,220 | $50,950 | $61,780 | 1,690 |
| Maine | $48,610 | $50,810 | $56,110 | 910 |
| Nevada | $47,460 | $50,250 | $63,600 | 1,120 |
| Michigan | $45,180 | $49,710 | $58,980 | 2,550 |
| Colorado | $46,580 | $49,650 | $59,340 | 3,720 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Veterinary Technician Specialist- Nutrition (VTS-N) — Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
- Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) — American Association of Veterinary State Boards
- Veterinary Dental Technician - VTS (Dentistry) (VTS) — Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians
- Veterinary Technician Specialist in Nutrition (VTS-Nutrition) — Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
- Veterinary Internal Medicine Technician - Cardiology — Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
- Veterinary Internal Medicine Technician - Neurology — Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against veterinary technologists and technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2056.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.