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A veterinary technician salary ranges from $27,000 to $39,000 per year in the United States. The more experience you have, the higher your annual salary. Moreover, working for a state or federal organization leads to better pay.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook reports veterinary technician salary's hourly wages range from $10.44 to $18.68 per hour. Currently, demand for veterinary technicians is high, but it is important to remember that many technicians work part-time. Hours vary from week to week and some technicians remain on call for emergencies.
When earning a veterinary technician salary, technicians assist veterinarians with many routine tasks. This may include performing lab tests, handling patient check-ins and assisting with dental procedures.
Because veterinary technicians fulfill duties similar to that of a nurse, they frequently spend time consulting with pet owners. They provide home care instructions and take down information when a pet arrives. People skills remain an important part of the job.
State regulations vary from state to state, but all states require veterinary assistants to pass a state certification exam before earning a certified veterinary technician salary. The examination is either the National Veterinary Technician exam or an exam offer by the State Board of Veterinary Examiners.
If you have already passed a state examination, some states will transfer your certification allowing you to earn veterinary technician salaries as soon as you move, but others require you to retake their specific test.