Are you interested in becoming a veterinary technician, but wonder about the current outlook for jobs and what the average veterinary technician salary expectations can be?
A veterinary technician’s duties are both specialized and sometimes unpleasant which means that it is a profession that frequently has opening available and also offers a competitive salary range. The position is specialized because all states require certification. Certification involves taking coursework and passing a veterinary certification exam.
Although the job can be quite rewarding, especially for animal lovers, it does involve dealing with animals that are often in pain and with owners who are often distraught at the suffering of their animals. As such, it can at times be an emotionally and physically challenging profession.
Veterinary technician jobs are expected to grow in the future and the employment outlook is quite good for this field. It is estimated that about 30,000 new veterinary technician jobs will become available through 2016, making it one of the best career choices available. The Bureau of Labor suggests that the enormous growth in this field is in part due to the increasing numbers of affluent pet owners in need of intensive care treatments for their pets.
According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, veterinary technician salaries generally started around $28,900 in 2007. Those working in pharmaceutical labs or for the federal government earned considerably more, usually around $43,480 or more. The average veterinary technician salary is well above $30,000 a year.
Depending on who you are working for, many veterinary technician jobs also include benefits such as vacation pay, sick leave, a 401(k) plan and health benefits.
One of the best ways to learn more about veterinary technician salary rates for your area is to contact some who work at offices or laboratories in your area. Not only will speaking to a veterinary technician in your area give you a clear idea of what to expect for a veterinary technician salary for your area, but it should also give you additional insights into the practice and help you decide whether this is the appropriate career path for you.