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Written by Roo » Updated on: July 02nd, 2025
If you’re a Veterinary Technician looking to boost your income and grow your career, you’re in the right place. Vet Techs with specialist credentials — known as Veterinary Technician Specialists — often earn more than general techs, thanks to their advanced skills and expertise. In this article, we’ll walk you through what affects Vet Tech salary, break down the average Vet Tech salary you can expect, and highlight some of the top paying VTS careers you might want to hop into.
Let’s get to it — because you deserve to know how to make your hard work pay off.
Think of a VTS as a Vet Tech who’s taken their skills to the next level. After gaining experience, they get certified in a specialty area — like anesthesia, emergency care, dentistry, or internal medicine — by passing exams through professional organizations like NAVTA. This certification shows you’re not just good at your job, but you’re a pro in a specific field.
VTS credentials are a big deal because they prove you have advanced knowledge and skills. This often means better pay and more opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to stand out in the busy world of animal healthcare.
The salary of a Vet Tech can vary quite a bit depending on where you work, your experience, and whether you have any special certifications. On average, Vet Techs in the U.S. make around $44,000 a year. But don’t let that number fool you — some techs earn less, and others, especially specialists, can make well over $60,000.
If you’re just starting out, expect to make a bit less, maybe in the low $30,000s. But as you gain experience and especially if you earn your VTS, your salary can jump significantly.
Location plays a big role too. Vet Techs in states like California, New York, and Washington tend to see higher pay, but keep in mind the cost of living there is also higher. Smaller towns or states with lower living costs might pay less but offer a different kind of lifestyle.
Several things affect how much you take home:
Experience: More years on the job usually means more money.
Specialization: A VTS credential can bump your pay up nicely.
Location: Big cities and certain states pay more.
Employer type: Emergency clinics, specialty hospitals, and research labs often offer better pay than general practices.
Education: Additional certifications and training can open doors to higher-paying roles.
Ready to jump into a specialty? Here are some of the best-paying VTS careers that can help you leap ahead in your paychecks.
Surgery techs assist vets during operations, manage anesthesia, and keep an eye on patients in recovery. It’s a fast-paced, detail-oriented role that demands skill and calm under pressure.
Salary range: $40,000 to $90,000+
Why it pays well: Surgery is complex and critical, so hospitals pay more for techs who can handle the pressure and know their stuff.
How to get there: Gain surgical experience, then earn your VTS in surgery through a recognized academy.
Anesthesia techs specialize in keeping animals safely sedated during procedures. They monitor vital signs and manage pain control — a role that requires precision and focus.
Salary range: $50,000 to $70,000+
Why it pays well: Anesthesia is tricky and high stakes. Skilled techs are essential to successful surgeries and procedures.
How to get there: Work in anesthesia, get specialized training, and pass the VTS anesthesia exam.
If you thrive in the fast lane, emergency and critical care might be your jam. These techs handle life-or-death situations, stabilize patients, and support vets in the ER.
Salary range: $45,000 to $65,000+
Why it pays well: Emergency care is intense and requires quick thinking. Hospitals pay more for techs who can handle the heat.
How to get there: Build ER experience, then earn your VTS in emergency and critical care.
Internal medicine techs focus on managing chronic diseases and complex cases — think cardiology, oncology, and more. It’s a specialty that demands deep knowledge and patience.
Salary range: $50,000 to $60,000+
Why it pays well: The expertise needed to manage complicated cases commands higher pay.
How to get there: Gain experience in internal medicine and earn your VTS certification.
Dental techs handle oral care, from cleanings to assisting in dental surgeries. They also educate pet owners on keeping those pearly whites healthy.
Salary range: $45,000 to $60,000+
Why it pays well: Dental health is vital and specialized, so skilled techs get rewarded.
How to get there: Work in dentistry and get certified as a VTS dental Technician.
Vet Tech assistants usually make less than full Vet Techs — often in the $30,000 to $38,000 range. They support techs and vets with basic animal care and administrative tasks. While it’s a great entry point, moving up to a Vet Tech or specialist role is key for better pay and career growth.
Want to hop to the top of the pay scale? Here’s how:
Get certified: Earning your VTS is the most straightforward way to increase your salary.
Keep learning: Attend free CE events and workshops to sharpen your skills and stay current. Roo hosts plenty of these, so check out our upcoming events to keep your skills fresh.
Pick your location carefully: Some states pay more, but balance that with living costs.
Choose your workplace wisely: Specialty clinics and emergency hospitals tend to pay better.
Build experience: The more you do, the better you get — and the more you make.
If you’re thinking about a career switch or want to explore new roles, Roo also offers options beyond the clinic. Many techs find success in roles like business development or account management. Check out Roo’s careers page to see what’s hopping.
Good news — the demand for Vet Techs and specialists is growing faster than average. More pet owners want advanced care, which means more jobs and better pay for those with the right skills. If you’re ready to invest in your career, specializing is a smart move.
Veterinary Technician Specialists have a unique chance to earn more while doing what they love. Whether you’re aiming for surgery, anesthesia, or emergency care, specializing can give your career a real boost. And if you want to see how Vet Tech pay stacks up against living costs, check out this handy guide on Vet Tech pay vs living wage.
Ready to take your career further? Roo is here to help you find the right shifts, build your skills, and connect with opportunities that fit your life. Because when it comes to caring for animals, you deserve a career that’s as rewarding as it is fulfilling.
What is the average Vet Tech salary in 2025?
Around $44,000 a year, but it varies based on experience, location, and specialization.
How much does a Vet Tech assistant make?
Usually between $30,000 and $38,000 annually.
Which VTS specialties pay the most?
Surgery, anesthesia, and emergency care tend to top the list.
What affects the salary of a Vet Tech?
Experience, location, employer type, and certifications all play a part.
How can I increase my Vet Tech salary?
Earn your VTS, gain experience, work in high-paying areas, and keep learning.
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