Veterinary Technologists and Technicians vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nurses out-earn Veterinary Technologists and Technicians by $50K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians land at $47,380 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: veterinary technologists and technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians is District of Columbia ($61,270); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Veterinary Technologists and Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses earn more nationally. The median is $47,380 for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $50K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians or Registered Nurses?
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 9.1% projected growth, compared to 4.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians or Registered Nurses?
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Veterinary Technologists and Technicians get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians at $61,270/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Veterinary Technologists and Technicians vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Veterinary Technologists and Technicians earn $61,270 vs. $102,540 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.