Veterinary Technicians by the Numbers: Past, Present, and Future
By Rebecca Rose, RVT
Rebecca Rose Coaching, LLC – Gunnison, CO
Career Corner Blog 1.26
Veterinary technicians are the backbone of veterinary medicine. From supporting veterinarians in surgery to comforting anxious pet parents, their skills and dedication are in constant demand. Yet, for all their essential contributions, veterinary technicians have faced decades of challenges when it comes to recognition, compensation, and career sustainability.
By looking at where the profession has been, where it stands today, and where it’s headed, we gain perspective on both the struggles and opportunities that lie ahead for credentialed veterinary technicians.
A Look Back: Then and Now
When I graduated from Colorado Mountain College in 1987, my first position as a Certified Veterinary Technician paid $8.00 an hour—roughly $16,000 per year. At the time, I felt like I had “made it.” With my husband’s steady income and benefits from his work as a police officer, our household was stable.
Fast forward to 2024, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that veterinary technicians earn an average of $22.11/hour or about $45,980 annually. While wages have certainly increased over the past 37 years, so too has the cost of living. And that’s where the story becomes more complicated.
Historical Wage Data
Looking back at surveys conducted by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and the BLS, the data paints an interesting picture:
- 1991: $19,200/year (~$9.60/hr)
- 1999: $27,070/year (~$13.54/hr)
- 2007: $36,120/year (~$18.06/hr)
- 2018 (BLS): $35,560/year (~$17.78/hr)
Today’s wages are higher, but not necessarily keeping pace with real-world living costs.
The Present: Who Are Today’s Veterinary Technicians?
NAVTA’s 2022 Demographic Survey sheds light on the profession as it stands today:
- 91% of respondents are women (a slight drop from 95% in earlier surveys).
- Average age: 38.9 years.
- Education: 71% hold an associate’s degree, 12% a bachelor’s, and 10% are certified Veterinary Technician Specialists.
- Average years in practice: 14.4 years.
- Wages: About $45,700 annually (~$23/hr).
Meanwhile, the BLS 2024 data reports 125,700 technicians employed nationwide, with an expected 21% job growth over the next decade—a rate far faster than average for other professions.
Clearly, the need for skilled technicians is only going to grow.
The Challenges: What Technicians Are Saying
Despite this promising growth, veterinary technicians face persistent challenges. NAVTA surveys highlight the top concerns:
- Salary, benefits, and compassion fatigue – Technicians often struggle to meet living wage standards, while also facing emotional burnout from the demands of the job.
- High turnover – Retaining skilled staff remains difficult for clinics across the country.
- Lack of title protection – Without stronger recognition and standardized credentialing, the role of the veterinary technician can be misunderstood or undervalued.
Interestingly, only 5% of technicians cited underutilization as their biggest concern, suggesting that pay and retention issues are much more pressing.
The Future: Opportunities for Growth
So what does the future hold? In many ways, the outlook is optimistic. Demand for veterinary care continues to climb, and with it, the need for credentialed technicians. By 2034, the BLS projects 150,000 veterinary nurses employed. My hope? That we surpass this projection with 220,000 veterinary nurses thriving in the workforce.
But to reach this ambitious goal, we’ll need intentional strategies.
Building the Pipeline
We can start by inspiring future technicians at the high school level. Career days, guest speaking, and even hospital open houses can expose students to the diverse career paths within veterinary medicine. Hospitals can also hire high schoolers as kennel assistants or reception support, giving them early exposure to the profession.
Creating community connections not only helps build a pipeline of new technicians but also fosters greater understanding of the profession among clients and families.
Supporting Current Technicians
Online education offers new opportunities for career advancement. Programs for Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians can be pursued alongside employment, giving motivated staff members a clear path forward. Hospitals that invest in this continuing education stand to benefit from loyal, better-trained employees.
Additionally, recognizing the value of “boomerang employees”—team members who return after time away—can strengthen clinics. These technicians often bring fresh skills and perspectives gained from other experiences.
Paying a Living Wage
Perhaps the most critical issue is compensation. According to Ramsey Solutions, the average single-person household spends about $4,641 per month, or $55,692 annually—closer to $68,000/year when factoring in benefits.
For veterinary technicians, that translates to a “living wage” of $34/hour. If clinics commit to paying wages that reflect true living costs, along with offering benefits, they not only invest in their employees’ well-being but also improve retention and team stability.
Projections show that by 2029, a fair wage could be $39/hour, rising to $43/hour by 2032 with modest cost-of-living adjustments.
Moving Forward Together
The history of veterinary technician wages shows progress, but also underscores the need for continued advocacy and innovation. Veterinary leaders, including AVMA, AAHA, VHMA, and NAVTA, must set measurable goals for growth in both employment and compensation.
If we build the pipeline, support our teams with education, welcome back returning employees, and pay a sustainable living wage, the veterinary technician profession will not only grow—it will thrive.
The bottom line? Veterinary technicians are a wise investment. With proper recognition and support, their contributions will continue to elevate the profession and expand access to quality veterinary care for decades to come.
So let’s do this—together. Who’s with me?
References:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
- NAVTA Demographic Surveys
- Ramsey Solutions – Average Monthly Expenses
