Animal health technicians frequently work in private veterinary clinics.
Animal health technicians, sometimes referred to as veterinary technicians, are important members of the veterinary community. These animal care professionals provide the type of care for animals that a nurse would provide for a human, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Income levels for animal health technicians can vary based upon education, experience, certification and other factors.
Education
Licensing of animal health technicians is handled by the individual states, and all require minimum levels of education. According to the BLS, most technicians hold at least an associate's degree from a community college that is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Some technicians may complete a traditional four-year course of study to obtain a bachelor's degree. Candidates must also pass a credentialing examination before they are allowed to practice in the state. Those technicians with higher levels of education typically earn more money.
Employment Outlook
The BLS projects the animal health technician field to grow by 36 percent between 2008 and 2018, a much faster rate than the general economy. Most positions will be available in private veterinary clinics and hospitals. Competition for positions in aquariums and zoos is expected to be keen. Technicians with additional education may move into the field of animal health technology and find work in research facilities. Animal health technologists typically earn more than technicians, according to the BLS.
Average Wages
Animal health technicians earned a median income of approximately $28,900 per year in 2008, according to the BLS. The annual salary range for this occupation extended from less than $20,000 to nearly $41,500. Those in the 25th to 75th percentile earned between $23,580 and $34,960.
Benefits
An animal health technician's base wages account for approximately 67.3 percent of her total compensation, according to Salary.com. Employer contributions toward health insurance and paid time off add another 21 percent, with the remaining compensation coming from employer contributions to disability insurance and private and government pension and retirement programs.
Time Frame
Experience plays an important role in determining the income of an animal health technician. According to PayScale.com, a first-year technician may expect to earn between $8.78 and $11.98 per hour. An animal health technician with more than five years experience can average up to $16 per hour. Technicians with more than ten years on the job can command hourly wages of between $13.40 and $18.84.
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