In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
New Jersey offers several advantages that make it a great place for veterinary technicians to work. For one, if you’re just beginning to research your vet tech education options, New Jersey is home to several accredited veterinary technology programs, such as those offered by Bergen Community College and Camden County College. These programs provide high-quality education and hands-on training, preparing vet techs for successful careers. But there are other reasons to consider New Jersey, not the least being the salary that vet techs may be able to earn:
- Veterinary technicians in New Jersey often enjoy competitive salaries compared to those in other states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), vet techs in New Jersey tend to earn higher-than-average wages, reflecting the state’s higher cost of living and strong demand for skilled professionals.
- New Jersey is one of the most densely populated states in the U.S., leading to a higher number of pet owners and a corresponding demand for veterinary services. This demand may translate into job opportunities for vet techs in various settings, from small animal clinics to specialty hospitals.
- The state has a diverse animal population, including domestic pets, livestock and wildlife. This variety provides vet techs with opportunities to work in different areas of veterinary medicine.
Quick view of NJ vet techs
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says there are 3,660 people employed as veterinary technicians and technologists in New Jersey. 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.
In New Jersey veterinary settings, vet techs primarily perform a range of tasks essential to animal care and clinic operations. Their responsibilities may include:
- Safely restraining animals during examinations and procedures to prevent injury to the animal and the veterinary staff and providing routine care such as feeding, grooming and exercise to hospitalized animals.
- Collecting samples, such as blood, urine and feces, and performing diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis and X-rays to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
- Administering medications to animals orally, by injection or topically, as prescribed by the veterinarian, and monitoring for any adverse reactions.
- Communicating with pet owners to explain treatment plans, post-operative care, medication instructions and general animal care. Educating clients on preventive care, such as vaccinations, dental hygiene and nutrition may also be part of their duties.
- Maintaining accurate and detailed medical records for each animal, including treatment plans, progress notes and any changes in the animal’s condition. Proper record-keeping ensures continuity of care and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
These employers provide veterinary technicians in New Jersey with diverse opportunities to work with different animal types and in various veterinary settings, from small animal clinics to specialized hospitals and research institutions:
- Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, Tinton Falls, NJ:
- Red Bank Veterinary Hospital is one of the largest and most comprehensive veterinary hospitals and pharmacies in New Jersey. It offers a wide range of services, including emergency and critical care, surgery, internal medicine, oncology and more. Vet techs here have the opportunity to work with various small animals and gain experience in specialty and emergency care.
- NorthStar VETS (Veterinary Emergency, Trauma and Specialty), Robbinsville, Maple Shade and Brick, NJ:
- NorthStar VETS is a 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital that provides advanced medical care for small animals. The hospital offers services such as cardiology, neurology, oncology and surgery, allowing vet techs to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with a focus on specialized care.
- The Seeing Eye, Morristown, NJ:
- The Seeing Eye is the oldest existing guide dog school in the world. Vet techs working here are involved in the health and well-being of service dogs, ensuring they are fit to assist individuals with visual impairments. This unique environment offers vet techs the chance to work with highly trained service animals.
- Rutgers University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ:
- As part of Rutgers University, this teaching hospital provides veterinary care for a variety of animals, including livestock, horses and small animals. Vet techs here are involved in clinical care, research and the education of veterinary students, making it an excellent environment for those interested in academia and research.
- Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari, Jackson Township, NJ:
- The Six Flags Safari Park is home to over 1,200 exotic animals from six continents. Vet techs at this facility provide medical care for a wide range of species, including large mammals, birds, reptiles and more. This setting offers a unique opportunity to work with wildlife and exotic animals in a safari and zoo environment.
Salary quick stats for NJ vet techs
While the median national salary for vet technicians and technologists is around $45,980 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live in New Jersey, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education. That said, New Jersey vet techs median pay is higher than the national median, even though New Jersey does not rank in the BLS’ list of top five paying states for the field. Those states are D.C., Washington, New York, California and Virginia.
Median veterinary technician salary in New Jersey
The median annual salary for vet techs in New Jersey is $48,630, which means its wage is higher than the national median established by the BLS. It’s important to note, however, 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 New Jersey. As you can see, the highest paying city in the state is Trenton at just over $47,000 per year.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
10%$35,760
25%$39,980
50%$48,630Median
75%$50,700
90%$60,900
Median Hourly Wage$23
Job growth9.1%
Total Employment3,500
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $45,940 | $37,910 | $59,530 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $42,990 | $34,950 | $48,030 |
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 NJ vet techs
The salary range for vet techs in New Jersey typically spans from $35,760 to $60,900 per year. This accounts for entry-level positions and more senior-level technologist and specialist 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, who hold an associate degree, and technicians may choose to advance to technologist roles by completing two additional years of school and earning a bachelor’s.
Pay by metro area within New Jersey
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. In New Jersey, the greater Newark-Jersey City area pays best, followed by Trenton and Vineland-Bridgeton. The dense population and high demand for veterinary services in these urban areas support a large number of veterinary hospitals, clinics and specialty centers, so pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S.
Not surprisingly, California’s metro areas dominate the list, along with Washington state cities. No New Jersey metro areas make the top 10 for vet tech pay, but the BLS says that the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metro area ranks number one in The U.S. for highest employment of veterinary technicians and technologists.
Salary growth and job outlook
The job outlook for veterinary technicians in New Jersey is promising. O*NET says the employment for vet techs in the state is expected to grow by approximately 10% through 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, while nationally, the employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to increase 9.1% through 2034, driven by the growing need for veterinary care and advancements in veterinary medicine.
New Jersey has a higher demand for vet techs due to the dense pet population and the state’s prioritization of animal health. This results in numerous job opportunities in various settings, including animal hospitals, clinics, laboratories, zoos, and pharmaceutical companies.
Factors affecting vet tech salaries in NJ
Some factors may impact a vet tech’s salary in NJ, some of which are common across the profession. Considering these factors, vet techs can leverage their education, experience and specialization to achieve better salary outcomes in this growing field.
- Experience and education:
- Vet techs with more experience generally earn higher salaries. Those who have specialized training or advanced certifications may also command higher wages. Veterinary technologists, who typically hold a four-year degree, may earn more than veterinary technicians with a two-year associate degree.
- Specializing:
- Vet techs who specialize in areas such as anesthesia, emergency care, dentistry or surgery may earn higher salaries due to the additional skills and expertise required in these fields.
- Location:
- Salaries can vary significantly depending on the specific region within New Jersey. Urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living generally offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased living expenses.
- Employer:
- The type of employer you work for can also influence salaries. Vet techs working in private clinics or animal hospitals may earn an entirely different salary than those employed by research facilities, zoos, universities or pharmaceutical companies.
- Demand and competition:
- Areas with a high demand for veterinary services but a lower supply of qualified vet techs may offer higher salaries to attract and retain employees. Conversely, in regions with more vet techs, the competition might drive salaries down.
- Earning certification:
- Holding certifications from recognized institutions or being licensed in the state of New Jersey may increase earning potential. Employers may offer higher wages to certified or licensed vet techs who meet industry standards have skills that are more in demand.
- Job role and responsibilities:
- The specific duties and responsibilities assigned to a vet tech may also impact salary. Those involved in more complex or specialized tasks, such as diagnostic imaging, anesthesia administration or surgical assistance, may earn higher pay.
How do I know if my pay is fair in New Jersey?
To determine if you are being paid the same wage as another vet tech performing the same duties in New Jersey, you can consult the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law on the Department of Labor & Workforce Development website.
Here are some actions to consider if you have questions or concerns about your pay:
- Utilize salary surveys, such as those on Indeed, the BLS or Payscale to research average compensation for your role in your geographic area.
- Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies on compensation and benefits. Understand how performance reviews and salary adjustments are handled within the organization.
- Ask your supervisor or HR manager to clarify pay scales, job titles and how they work. Speak up if you think there is a discrepancy in your pay compared to someone else doing the same job.
- If your efforts are in vain and you still believe there is a pay discrepancy you have two options: Find another position at a different vet clinic or hospital that might pay more equitably or file a complaint and open an investigation on the Department of Labor & Workforce Development/New Jersey Wage and Hour Division and Contract Compliance–Online Services page.
Education and training
To become a vet tech in New Jersey, you need to meet specific education and licensing requirements. Here are the key steps:
- Education: Complete a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). New Jersey has several accredited programs, such as those offered by Bergen Community College and Rowan College of South Jersey, among others. These programs typically award an associate degree in veterinary technology and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
- Certification: Currently, the state of New Jersey doesn’t require you to become certified in order to practice, but if you choose to work as a certified vet tech, after completing your accredited veterinary technology program, you must pass the VTNE, administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The VTNE tests your knowledge and skills in veterinary technology, covering areas such as pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical nursing and lab procedures.
- New Jersey state licensing: In New Jersey, vet techs must be licensed by the New Jersey Veterinary Technician Association (NJVTA). To obtain licensure, you need to submit proof of education, pass the VTNE and meet any additional state-specific requirements.
- Continuing education: Certified veterinary technicians in New Jersey are required to complete 10 hours of continuing education every calendar year, or 20 hours every two years to maintain their certification. The state has begun holding random audits to ensure that CVTs are keeping up with their CE requirements.
Cost of living considerations
The cost of living for vet techs in New Jersey is 11% higher than the national average, and housing alone is 30% higher, with transportation, food and utilities also higher than the national average. Only healthcare is lower, said RentCafe.
Here are comparative costs of living for some New Jersey cities, most of which have a higher cost of living than the national average:
| New Jersey city | Cost of living (versus the national average) |
|---|---|
| Newark | 16% higher |
| Vineland | 1% lower |
| Middlesex | 15% higher |
| Morristown | 7% higher |
NJ professional associations for vet techs
The following associations are valuable resources for vet techs in New Jersey, offering support, professional growth opportunities and a platform for staying informed about industry developments.
New Jersey Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (NJVTA): The NJVTA is the primary professional association for veterinary technicians and assistants in New Jersey. It offers resources for education, certification and career development. The association also provides continuing education opportunities, networking events and advocacy for the veterinary technician profession within the state.
New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association (NJVMA): Although the NJVMA primarily serves veterinarians, it also includes veterinary technicians as members. The association offers resources for professional development, continuing education and networking. Membership in the NJVMA provides access to various events, publications and legislative updates pertaining to veterinary professionals in New Jersey.
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This vet tech salary guide for New Jersey aims 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.