Vet tech job outlook to 2034.
The BLS projects 9 percent growth for veterinary technologists and technicians between 2024 and 2034, roughly three times the average for all occupations. That works out to about 14,300 annual openings from growth and replacement combined.
Growth 2024-2034
9%
Annual openings
14,300
Currently employed
134,200
Vs all occupations
≈ 3× faster
Six drivers behind the growth
Rising Pet Ownership
70% of U.S. households now own a pet, up from 56% in 2018. More pets means more veterinary visits, vaccinations, and ongoing care requiring skilled technicians.
Advanced Veterinary Medicine
MRI, chemotherapy, dialysis, and minimally invasive surgery are now standard at referral hospitals. These advanced procedures require skilled technicians to operate equipment and monitor patients.
Workforce Retirements
A significant portion of the current vet tech workforce will retire in the next decade, creating replacement demand on top of growth from new positions.
Expanding Rural Practice Authority
Several states are expanding the scope of practice for credentialed vet techs, particularly in underserved rural areas where veterinarians are scarce.
Research Sector Growth
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies continue expanding animal research operations, requiring AALAS-certified technicians for regulatory compliance.
Food Animal and Public Health
USDA meat inspection, food safety, and public health roles for veterinary technicians are growing as the food supply chain faces increased regulatory scrutiny.
Top hiring states to 2034
| State | Annual openings (proj.) | 10-yr growth | Mean salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,860 | 12% | $55,740 |
| Texas | 1,340 | 11% | $42,360 |
| Florida | 1,110 | 10% | $40,720 |
| New York | 980 | 8% | $55,540 |
| Washington | 540 | 13% | $54,460 |
| Colorado | 480 | 12% | $47,120 |
Projections derived from BLS state-level occupation projections + replacement demand factor.
Five career-advancement pathways
- 1
VTS specialty technician
Pursue a NAVTA-recognised academy credential in anesthesia, surgery, ECC, or another specialty for an 8 to 28 percent pay premium.
- 2
Practice manager
Experienced techs move into operational leadership running clinic finances, staffing, and client experience. $50K to $80K+ depending on practice scale.
- 3
Educator
Teach at AVMA-accredited tech programs. Bachelor's typically required, master's increasingly preferred. University benefits and academic calendar.
- 4
Industry / sales
Pharma, equipment, and diagnostics companies actively recruit experienced techs into clinical sales and technical support. $55K to $90K+.
- 5
DVM bridge
A growing path. Several DVM programs credit prior tech coursework. Highest ceiling but $200K to $350K total investment.
The retention challenge
Vet techs leave the profession in large numbers, and surveys consistently cite the same reasons: low pay relative to education and responsibility, compassion fatigue from emotional cases and euthanasia, lack of title protection in some states, limited advancement without further education, and physical demands. Several state legislatures are responding with title protection bills and expanded scope of practice. The growth of corporate hospital groups has also brought more standardised benefits packages, but the underlying tension between salary and emotional load remains the defining career trade-off.
Find higher-paying markets in the state ranking or the top-metros table.