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Veterinary Technician in Maryland: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Animal healthcare

Maryland employs 2,540 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $47,350 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.

What Veterinary technicians Earn in Maryland (May 2025)

Maryland median pay: $47,350 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $38,750
Experienced (75th percentile): $60,460
Top earners (90th percentile): $74,460
Employed in Maryland: 2,540
U.S. median (for comparison): $45,980 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Maryland markets:

Washington DC metro: $57,630 (2,150 employed)
Baltimore: $46,650 (1,160 employed)
Salisbury: $45,530 (60 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland

Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $47,350 median is worth closer to $45,095 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)

Maryland is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +5.9%, slower than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 300 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maryland License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) — regulated by the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Complete a 2-year AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate degree program at Essex Community College (CCBC) or St. George's University affiliate programs.
Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) with a passing score recognized by Maryland.
Apply to the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners for your LVT license. Renew every two years with continuing education.

Official requirements: Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — Maryland Department of Agriculture →

Training in Maryland

Maryland's DC Metro suburbs have a high concentration of high-income households and premium pet care spending — companion animal specialty hospitals, emergency animal hospitals, and exotic animal practices are active across Montgomery, Howard, and Anne Arundel counties. The Maryland-Virginia Eastern Shore horse and equine industry also creates large animal vet tech demand. DC Metro Maryland vet tech wages are well above the national median.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:

Allegany College of Maryland — Associate
Anne Arundel Community College — Associate
Baltimore City Community College — Associate
Carroll Community College — Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want clinical care work outside human healthcare.

Think twice if: Lower pay, emotional cases, animal handling, or client stress would be too much.

Why it's resilient: Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.

First Steps

Compare AVMA-accredited vet tech programs and state credentialing rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technicians make in Maryland?

The median wage for veterinary technicians in Maryland is $47,350 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,750, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,460. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Maryland?

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), overseen by the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — Maryland Department of Agriculture. Complete a 2-year AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate degree program at Essex Community College (CCBC) or St. George's University affiliate programs.

Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Maryland?

Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.

Which Maryland metros pay veterinary technicians the most?

Among Maryland metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $57,630, followed by Baltimore ($46,650), Salisbury ($45,530). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Veterinary Technician in Maryland?

Real Maryland options include Allegany College of Maryland, Anne Arundel Community College, Baltimore City Community College. Most veterinary technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Veterinary Technician a growing career in Maryland?

Maryland projects veterinary technicians employment to change +5.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — Maryland Department of Agriculture (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Maryland wages · Maryland licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.