Veterinary Technician in Massachusetts: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Massachusetts employs 3,990 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $49,540 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Massachusetts licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Massachusetts (May 2025)
- Massachusetts median pay
- $49,540 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,500
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,240
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $64,470
- Employed in Massachusetts
- 3,990
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Massachusetts markets:
- Boston
- $50,970 (2,970 employed)
- Cape Cod
- $49,940 (200 employed)
- Worcester
- $48,180 (520 employed)
- Springfield
- $47,770 (200 employed)
- Providence
- $46,160 (730 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Massachusetts
Prices in Massachusetts run about 6% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,540 median is worth closer to $46,824 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Massachusetts (2024–2034)
Massachusetts is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +2.5%, slower than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 380 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Massachusetts License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) — regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine.
- Complete a 2-year AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate degree program at Becker College (now integrated with other MA programs) or through Quinsigamond Community College or Mount Wachusett Community College.
- Pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) with a passing score recognized by Massachusetts.
- Apply to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine for your LVT license. Renew every two years.
Official requirements: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine →
Training in Massachusetts
Greater Boston and the surrounding MetroWest area have a high concentration of companion animal practices, specialty veterinary hospitals (Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals in North Grafton is a major employer), and emergency animal hospitals. Massachusetts' dense suburban population and high pet ownership rates support strong vet tech demand across all practice types.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Massachusetts include:
- Berkshire Community College — Associate
- Bristol Community College — Associate
- Bunker Hill Community College — Associate
- Fisher 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 Massachusetts?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Massachusetts is $49,540 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,500, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $64,470. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Massachusetts?
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine. Complete a 2-year AVMA-accredited veterinary technology associate degree program at Becker College (now integrated with other MA programs) or through Quinsigamond Community College or Mount Wachusett Community College.
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Massachusetts?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Massachusetts metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Massachusetts metro areas, Boston leads at $50,970, followed by Cape Cod ($49,940), Worcester ($48,180). 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 Massachusetts?
Real Massachusetts options include Berkshire Community College, Bristol Community College, Bunker Hill 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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts projects veterinary technicians employment to change +2.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 380 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), Massachusetts statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Veterinary Medicine (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 Massachusetts wages · Massachusetts 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.