Many factors can influence an equine veterinary technician’s salary including job requirements, experience, specialized skills, and location.
Equine Veterinary Technician Salaries
Do you love animals and enjoy working with horses? An equine veterinary technician job may be a great fit for you. Here are some details about equine vet tech jobs, required training, job duties, and salary.
What is the Total Pay Range for an Equine Vet Tech?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, equine veterinary technicians can earn up to $50,000 per year, depending on location, experience, level of education, and types of duties performed. For example, equine veterinarians and veterinary technicians are in high demand in California, where salaries can range as high as 97% higher than the national average.
What Tasks do Equine Veterinary Technicians Do?
Many equine veterinary techs boast that their jobs are never boring and “never the same day twice.” Here are some examples of typical veterinary technician job duties:
Assisting with examinations and treatments
Equine veterinary technicians help veterinarians during physical examinations, surgeries, and various medical procedures on horses.
Handling and restraining animals
Trained to safely handle and restrain horses during examinations and treatments, equine vet techs help to ensure the safety of both the animal and the veterinary team.
Performing diagnostic tests
Equine veterinary technicians may conduct diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other imaging techniques under the direction of a veterinarian.
Administering medications
Vet techs assist in administering medications, vaccines, and other treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Providing wound care
Equine veterinary technicians may clean and dress wounds, apply bandages, and provide post-operative care to horses.
Educating owners
An important role of the equine vet technician is to communicate with horse owners, providing instructions on post-treatment care, medication administration, and general health maintenance for their animals.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Equine Vet Tech?
Equine veterinary technicians typically have an associate degree from a school that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which can be earned in as little as two years (if courses are taken full-time).
While certification or license requirements for veterinary technicians vary by state, some equine veterinary technicians choose to pursue certification through organizations such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) or state veterinary technician associations. Certification typically involves passing an exam after completing an accredited veterinary technology program.
Overall, the path to becoming an equine veterinary technician typically takes around two to four years, depending on factors such as the length of the veterinary technology program and whether certification is pursued. Continuing education may also be required to maintain certification or licensure and stay current in the field.
Are Equine Vets in High Demand?
There are over 9 million horses in the U.S. – however, it is estimated that only 4% of veterinary school graduates specialize in equine veterinary medicine. The demand for veterinary technicians is projected to increase as much as 20 percent in the next 10 years. Equine veterinarians and vet techs are especially in high demand within California – especially San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and Hayward.
Whether you’re just getting started and starting training or if you’re a veterinarian looking to expand your practice, Suveto can help. Find out how Suveto can help you take control of your veterinary career.
