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By: All Allied Health Staff
The outlook for veterinary technicians in Indiana appears to be promising, especially considering the state’s significant rural areas and agricultural activities. The partly rural nature of Indiana provides ample opportunities for vet techs, especially those interested in working with farm animals. Here are some of the reasons to consider Indiana for your vet tech education or career.
- Growing demand: The demand for veterinary services is expected to grow, driven by increased pet ownership and the need for veterinary care in both urban and rural settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Indiana’s agricultural sector: Indiana has a strong agricultural presence, which includes a substantial number of farms and livestock. This creates a demand for vet techs who are skilled in caring for animals larger than cats, dogs, rodents and reptiles, such as cows, horses, goats and other livestock.
- Farm animal care: Vet techs in rural areas may have opportunities to work with large animals on farms and ranches. Responsibilities can include assisting with surgeries, administering vaccines, performing health checks and helping with breeding and birthing processes.
Quick view of vet techs in Indiana
There are 2,430 people employed as veterinary technicians and technologists in Indiana, said the BLS. The median wage per hour is $23 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 9.1%, considerably higher than the job growth rate for all other career fields combined, said the BLS.
Vet techs assist veterinarians in a variety of procedures, including surgeries, dental cleanings and diagnostic tests, and they are critical to the veterinary industry. In a partially rural state like Indiana, many veterinary clinics are mixed animal practices, meaning they care for both small pets and larger farm animals. Vet techs in these settings need a diverse skill set to handle the variety of animals they encounter, and these employers provide a mix of opportunities for vet techs in both large and small animal practices. Working at these Indiana institutions can offer experiences and professional growth in different aspects of veterinary medicine, from routine care to specialized treatment and emergency services:
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN:
- Purdue University offers a comprehensive veterinary program that includes both small and large animal clinics. The Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides vet techs with the opportunity to work in an academic setting, participating in cutting-edge veterinary research and assisting in the education of veterinary students.
- MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, Indianapolis, IN:
- MedVet Indianapolis is a part of a larger network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals. This facility provides advanced care for small animals but also consults and collaborates on cases involving large animals through their network.
- Noah’s Animal Hospitals, Multiple locations including Indianapolis, IN:
- Noah’s Animal Hospitals operate several clinics throughout Indiana, offering services for both small and large animals. They provide comprehensive veterinary care, including emergency services, which gives vet techs varied experiences.
- Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care (VSEC), Indianapolis, IN:
- VSEC offers specialized and emergency veterinary care, primarily for small animals. However, they occasionally handle cases involving large animals and have a network for referring complex cases to appropriate facilities, providing a diverse work environment for vet techs.
- Indiana Equine Hospital, Westfield, IN:
- Indiana Equine Hospital specializes in the care of horses and other large animals. Vet techs working here gain experience in large animal medicine, including surgery, rehabilitation and routine care. This facility is well-known for its advanced equine medical services.
Salary quick stats
While the median national salary for vet technicians and technologists—is just over $45,980 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what kind of animals you work with, what specialty certifications you have earned and your level of education.
Median veterinary technician salary in Indiana
The median annual salary for veterinary technicians and technologists in Indiana is $47,520. Despite it’s diverse animal population—from pets to farm animals—Indiana does not rank in the top five paying states in the U.S. said the BLS. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on location within the state. The salary widget below provides the median national wage along with data for different metro areas in Indiana, listed by highest paying cities first. You can see that West Lafayette, which is home to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, is the highest paying area in the state.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
10%$34,500
25%$37,960
50%$47,520Median
75%$51,330
90%$59,360
Median Hourly Wage$23
Job growth9.1%
Total Employment2,340
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $50,340 | $38,040 | $60,610 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $49,390 | $37,080 | $60,300 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $47,280 | $34,240 | $58,330 |
| Bloomington, IN | $46,960 | $36,030 | $57,400 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $46,930 | $32,460 | $57,950 |
| Evansville, IN | $46,120 | $29,990 | $56,620 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $40,070 | $36,780 | $56,630 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $38,190 | $30,060 | $53,910 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for Indiana vet techs
The salary range for vet techs in Indiana typically spans from $34,500 to $59,360 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level and technologist roles and takes into consideration other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
A word about vet technicians and technologists and why salaries may differ:
Veterinary technologists are similar to vet techs, but there’s a difference in terms of education needed to do the job. Veterinary technologists hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, which may provide more opportunities to advance in the field. Consequently, technologists may earn more than technicians. Technicians could choose to advance to technologist roles by completing two additional years of school beyond their associate degree and being granted a bachelor’s.
Pay by metro areas in Indiana
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub such as West Lafayette or Indianapolis, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reported as highest paying cities in the U.S.
Not surprisingly, California metro areas dominate the list, along with Washington state cities. However the BLS said that the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area—a metropolitan area that includes parts of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin—ranked number three in the U.S. for the highest employment of veterinary technicians and technologists. Looking at a map of Indiana, that geographic metro area includes Lafayette and West Lafayette, which also paid the highest salaries for vet techs in the state.
Salary growth and job outlook
While Indiana has its unique advantages, it’s important to compare it to other states based on individual preferences and career goals. States like California, Texas and Florida also have strong job markets for vet techs, often with higher salaries but also higher costs of living. However, the BLS predicted a strong market for vet techs nationally, with a much faster than average job growth rate of 9.1%. Here are just a few of the reasons Indiana stands out as a state to consider for veterinary technicians:
Cost of living: Indiana generally has a lower cost of living compared to many other states. This can make it easier for vet techs to manage their budget, especially when starting their careers.
Supportive veterinary community: Indiana has a well-connected veterinary community with professional organizations like the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA), offering networking opportunities, continuing education and advocacy for veterinary professionals.
Agricultural focus: Indiana’s significant agricultural industry means there is a consistent need for veterinary services for livestock, in addition to pets. This can lead to a wider range of job opportunities for vet techs.
Licensing and regulations: Indiana has clear licensing requirements for vet techs, ensuring that professionals are well-qualified and standards are maintained. The Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners oversees the licensure process.
Quality of life: Indiana offers a mix of urban and rural lifestyles, which can be appealing to those seeking a balanced quality of life. The state has a rich cultural scene, outdoor recreational opportunities and a community atmosphere.
Factors affecting vet tech salaries in Indiana
Several unique factors can influence what you can earn as a veterinary technician in Indiana beyond education, certification and geographic location. These factors include:
- Type of employer:
- Working in private clinics can vary significantly in pay based on the size and clientele of the practice. Specialty clinics and emergency animal hospitals often pay higher wages due to the specialized skills and 24-hour availability required. Positions in research settings, including universities and pharmaceutical companies, may offer higher salaries and benefits.
- Experience and area of specialty:
- As with many professions, vet techs with more years of experience typically earn higher wages. Vet techs who have specialized skills or certifications in areas such as anesthesia, dental technology, emergency and critical care or zoological medicine may be able to command higher salaries.
- Joining a union:
- In some regions, unionized vet techs may have better pay and benefits due to collective bargaining agreements.
- Large vs. small animal practices:
- Pay may differ based on whether the practice focuses on large animals, such as livestock, or small or exotic animals. Large animal practices, often tied to the agricultural sector, might offer different compensation structures.
- Indiana economy:
- The broader economic conditions of Indiana, including the agricultural sector, can impact veterinary practices’ profitability and, consequently, the salaries they can offer.
- Additional skills:
- Vet techs who take on additional administrative or managerial responsibilities may receive higher pay, while proficiency with advanced veterinary technology and software can be a valuable skill that commands higher wages.
- Continuing education:
- Regularly participating in continuing education can keep vet techs updated on the latest practices and technologies, potentially making them more valuable and possibly better compensated.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a vet tech in Indiana?
To determine if you are being paid fairly as a veterinary technician in Indiana, you can take several steps to evaluate your salary compared to industry standards, peers and regional benchmarks. Here are some practical steps to consider:
- Do your research: Check the BLS website for the most recent wage data for veterinary technicians in Indiana. The BLS provides detailed salary information, including median wages and pay percentiles. Use websites like Glassdoor, Payscale and Indeed to look up average salaries for vet techs in Indiana. These sites often provide salary ranges based on location, experience and employer type.
- Reach out to professional associations: Reach out to the Indiana Veterinary Technicians Association for salary surveys and reports specific to Indiana. Professional organizations often conduct surveys that can give you a more accurate picture of the local job market.
- Consider your entire package, not just pay: Evaluate your total compensation package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off or other benefits. Sometimes, the overall value of your benefits can make a significant difference in your total compensation. If your employer offers support for continuing education, earning professional certification and professional development, consider the investment in your career and earning potential in the long run.
- What’s happening in the local job market: Research the current demand for veterinary technicians in Indiana. High demand may lead to higher salaries, while lower demand might mean more competitive wages. Salaries can vary based on whether you work in a small private practice, a large corporate veterinary hospital, a research facility or an educational institution.
What to do if you still believe you are being underpaid:
- Negotiate: If you still find that you are being underpaid, prepare to negotiate your salary. Gather data on industry standards, your contributions to the practice and any additional responsibilities you handle.
- Seek other opportunities: Consider looking for job opportunities at other practices or employers who may offer better compensation and benefits.
- Enhance your skills: Invest in further education and certifications to increase your marketability and justify higher pay.
- File a complaint: The Indiana Department of Labor provides an online complaint form to open an investigation into wage disputes.
Education and training in Indiana
The required education and certification for becoming a veterinary technician in Indiana align with the national standards set for this profession. Here are the steps and requirements for becoming a vet tech in Indiana, which are consistent with those in most other states:
- Complete an accredited program: Complete a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). These programs are typically offered by community colleges, technical schools and universities and result in an associate degree in veterinary technology.
- Earn your national certification: Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). The VTNE is a standardized test administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Most states, including Indiana, require passing this exam to ensure competency in the field.
- Apply for state licensure: After passing the VTNE, apply for licensure with the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. Indiana requires vet techs to be registered, which involves submitting proof of education, passing the VTNE and possibly other state-specific requirements such as a background check.
- Keep up with continuing education requirements: Complete the required CE hours during each renewal period to keep your license active and in good standing.
- If you are inclined, specialize: Vet techs can pursue further specialization in areas such as anesthesia, dental technology, emergency and critical care or zoological medicine. These specializations often require additional certification and may lead to higher pay and more advanced career opportunities.
Joining professional organizations like the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and the Indiana Veterinary Technicians Association (IVTA) can provide additional resources, networking opportunities and professional development that may fulfill some continuing education unit requirements.
Cost of living considerations in IN
The cost of living in Indiana is relatively affordable compared to the national average. Housing costs are notably lower, with median home prices and rental rates more affordable than in many other states. Utilities, transportation and healthcare also tend to be less expensive. While urban areas like Indianapolis may have slightly higher costs, they are still more budget-friendly compared to major metropolitan areas in other states. Overall, Indiana’s lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to stretch their income further while enjoying a reasonable quality of life.
RentCafe says the cost of living in Indiana is 8% lower than the national average, with housing at 22% lower than the national average. Here are costs of living for some of the major cities in Indiana, including those cities the BLS lists as paying vet techs the highest salaries:
| Indiana city | Cost of living (versus the national average) |
|---|---|
| Lafayette | 4% lower |
| Indianapolis | 8% lower |
| Bloomington | 1% lower |
| Fort Wayne | 9% lower |
| Terre Haute | 4% lower |
Indiana professional associations
The following associations offer valuable resources and support for veterinary technicians and technologists, helping them to advance their careers and stay informed about the latest developments in the field.
Indiana Veterinary Technician Association (IVTA): The IVTA is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the veterinary technician profession in Indiana. It offers resources such as continuing education opportunities, networking events, job listings and advocacy.
Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA): The IVMA represents veterinarians and veterinary professionals in Indiana, including vet techs. It provides a range of resources, including educational programs, legislative advocacy and professional networking opportunities.
Find comprehensive vet tech salary guides for your state: California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | Massachusetts | Michigan | New Jersey | New York | Ohio | Texas
This vet tech salary guide for Indiana strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.