Vet Techs; Do you make 'enough' money?

Question

I've been volunteering at a non-profit dog shelter for several months now and most of the employees are vet techs. Many of them work 2-3 jobs because as vet techs, they can't support themselves with that income alone, unfortunately.
While I would love to just become a vet tech (which is what I'm going to school for), we have to face the reality of rising costs of living, high gas prices, etc. 

Anyway, my question to any vet techs out there -- do you make enough money? If you wouldn't mind sharing - what is your current salary, how long have you been a vet tech, and in what field do you work (ie zoo, shelter, clinic, ER, laboratory, etc) 

Thanks very much in advance.

CindyRVT · Accepted Answer

Pay and whether it is a good wage depends on a lot of factors.  For example, veterinary technicians in New York make quite a bit more per hour than veterinary technicians in Texas because licensure is required in NY but anyone may call themselves a vet tech in Texas regardless of education and experience.  Choosing to work at a non-profit shelter as compared to a private practice or even a specialty practice is another good example.   Non-profit situations, low-cost situations, etc don't increase "profits" so they don't increase employee pay like practices where the better their employees are trained and work the more money the practice makes.  Working in specialty practices or zoos will also tend to lead to higher income because special training, experience and skills are necessary above what most people have. 

  So, you need to contact the state veterinary technician association where you are and see what's average for your area and then pick and choose your jobs to fit your needs.  

10 years ago I was making $15/hr in a state where credentialing isn't required.  It was a large private practice offering services that weren't available at most other clinics in the area such as ultrasonography.  They were a more profitable practice so they paid better than most other clinics.  Now I'm in a very rural setting and $10/hr is "high".

Seth · Answer

No, Approx $14 an hour. 3 years. Work at a private clinic. Most vet techs are vet techs until they finish schooling for another job. There are rarely any permanent vet techs.

Wolfcry7 · Answer

I've been a tech for over 10 years. I work in a small animal practice. I currently make $20/hr and work ~35hr/week. I earn about $17,000 a year before taxes. It's not very much, but it is enough to live on.

Vet Techs; Do you make 'enough' money?

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