Vet Tech Positions

Look For Vet Tech Positions

The starting salary for vet tech positions is determined by a number of different factors. For example, if you have earned an associates degree, you can expect your salary to be less than if you earned your bachelor's degree. Similarly, those who have passed the state examination and earned certification can typically expect the starting salary for vet tech employment opportunities to be a bit higher.

Since you likely do not have experience in the veterinary field beyond what you received at school, the starting salary for vet tech positions will also reflect this lack of experience. If you have experience with animals in other capacities, however, the starting salary for vet tech employment offers that you receive may be slightly higher.

The starting salary for vet tech positions is also affected by the geographic location of the employer. For example, if you are employed in California, you can expect the starting salary for vet tech positions to be higher than what you might find in Indiana. Of course, this difference is starting salary for vet tech positions is generally due to differences in the cost of living in various geographic locations.

If you have specialized education, such as having special knowledge in the care of birds or reptiles, you might also expect the starting salary for vet tech positions to be a bit higher than when applying for a general vet tech position.

Although the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median hourly wage for vet techs in May of 2004 was only $11.99, it is not unusual to find job offers with the starting salary for vet tech positions being $14 or more. In fact, it is fairly common to find job offers with the starting salary for vet tech positions being over $20. The reason for the major difference in the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports is the fact that there are many vet techs with associates degrees that are paid less. In addition, the typical starting salary for vet tech positions has increased quite a bit over the past few years.

Featured Veterinary Technician School

The Brown Mackie College system of schools offers both Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technology associate’s degrees.* The Veterinary Technician/Technology programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to obtain entry-level employment in a variety of modern veterinary clinical settings and veterinary-related fields.

Coursework focuses on a wide range of clinical skills, including animal patient care, laboratory procedures, medical imaging, anesthesia administration and monitoring, and surgical assisting for a variety of domestic animals.

* Program availability varies by location.

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