Veterinary technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 29-2056
Veterinary technologists and technicians carries a 44% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $45,980 and +9.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 134,200 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Veterinary technologists and technicians (SOC 29-2056) carries an AI exposure score of 44%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 134,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +9.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $45,980, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Veterinary technologists and technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- 2. Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- 3. Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- 4. Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- 5. Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
- 6. Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
- 7. Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
- 8. Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
- 9. Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.
- 10. Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Learning
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Sales and Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Veterinary technologists and technicians?
Veterinary technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 44%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Veterinary technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 9.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 134,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Veterinary technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Veterinary technologists and technicians include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Veterinary technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Veterinary technologists and technicians is $45,980, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Veterinary technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Veterinary technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Veterinary technologists and technicians?
Veterinary technologists and technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).