Veterinary Technician in Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Animal healthcare
Virginia employs 2,790 veterinary technicians, with a statewide median of $52,090 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Veterinary technicians Earn in Virginia (May 2025)
- Virginia median pay
- $52,090 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,590
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,040
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,770
- Employed in Virginia
- 2,790
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $45,980 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for veterinary technicians in major Virginia markets:
- Washington DC metro
- $57,630 (2,150 employed)
- Richmond
- $53,220 (420 employed)
- Charlottesville
- $53,060 (100 employed)
- Virginia Beach–Norfolk
- $48,370 (470 employed)
- Roanoke
- $46,970 (100 employed)
- Lynchburg
- $46,030 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia
Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $52,090 median is worth closer to $51,523 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)
Virginia is projected to grow veterinary technicians employment +14.4%, faster than the +9.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 320 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Virginia License and Certification Requirements
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) — regulated by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Health Professions).
- Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program (about 2 years; Virginia does not accept alternative experience pathways to the VTNE).
- Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
- Apply for the Virginia CVT credential through the Department of Health Professions. Renew biennially with continuing education.
Official requirements: Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Health Professions) →
Training in Virginia
Virginia AVMA-accredited programs include those at Northern Virginia Community College, Blue Ridge Community College, and the Veterinary Technology Institute (Penn Foster has distance options accepted in VA). Northern Virginia and Richmond suburban areas have dense veterinary specialty and emergency hospital networks that pay premium CVT wages. Military families' high pet ownership in Hampton Roads and Fayetteville-adjacent areas creates steady general practice demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:
- American National University — Associate
- Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach — Associate
- Chester Career College — Associate
- ECPI University — 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 Virginia?
The median wage for veterinary technicians in Virginia is $52,090 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,770. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Veterinary Technician in Virginia?
Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), overseen by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Health Professions). Graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program (about 2 years; Virginia does not accept alternative experience pathways to the VTNE).
Is being a Veterinary Technician a good career in Virginia?
Vet tech work is hands-on, emotional, clinical, and relationship-driven with animal and owner care.
Which Virginia metros pay veterinary technicians the most?
Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $57,630, followed by Richmond ($53,220), Charlottesville ($53,060). 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 Virginia?
Real Virginia options include American National University, Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach, Chester Career 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 Virginia?
Virginia projects veterinary technicians employment to change +14.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 320 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), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2056. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine (Department of Health Professions) (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 Virginia wages · Virginia 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.