- Median annual pay
- $45,980
- Employment
- 134,200
- Ten-year outlook
- +9.1%
- Annual openings
- 14,300
BLS, 2024
U.S., 2024
2024–34
Projected average
The work
Core tasks
- 01Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- 02Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- 03Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- 04Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- 05Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
- 06Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
- 07Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
- 08Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
- 09Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.
- 10Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.
- 11Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.
- 12Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
Capabilities
Essential skills
Active ListeningCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingWritingMonitoringActive LearningLearning StrategiesScienceMathematics
Employment outlook
Where the role is heading
U.S. employment is projected to move from 134,200 in 2024 to 146,400 in 2034, a +9.1% change.
BLS projects an average of 14,300 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.