How to Become a Veterinary Technologist in Missouri (2026)
Missouri employs about 2,040 veterinary technologists earning a median $43,520 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Veterinary Technologist here means completing an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, the VTNE, and state RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure, then applying through the Missouri veterinary medical board.
Missouri employs approximately 2,040 veterinary technologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $43,520 1. Nationally, veterinary technologist employment is projected to grow 9.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 14,300 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Veterinary Technologist in Missouri, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, the VTNE, and state RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure
- Exam: VTNE
- Median wage (Missouri): $43,520 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Veterinary Technologist in Missouri
How to become a Veterinary Technologist in Missouri? Complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, the VTNE, and state RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure. Apply through the Missouri veterinary medical board. See the VTNE 3 for the national exam.
How long does it take? Most people finish an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, the VTNE, and state RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and the Missouri veterinary medical board.
Do I need a license in Missouri? Yes. Missouri licenses veterinary technicians through its veterinary medical board after an AVMA-accredited program and the VTNE. See the licensing section below.
What do veterinary technologists earn in Missouri? The median annual wage for veterinary technologists in Missouri is $43,520 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $31,940 and experienced professionals can earn $49,260 or more 1.
How to Become a Veterinary Technologist in Missouri
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Veterinary technology programs in Missouri typically require a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. Enroll in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program 4. An associate degree is the common entry path; some students complete a bachelor’s. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the VTNE. Pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination. See the AAVSB VTNE 3 for current exam rules.
- Apply for Missouri RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure. Apply through the Missouri veterinary medical board. Some states add a jurisprudence exam. Confirm current fees and reciprocity before you practice. BLS groups veterinary technicians and technologists under one occupation; states license the credential, not that split.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Veterinary Technologist License Requirements in Missouri
Missouri licenses veterinary technicians through its veterinary medical board. Most candidates complete an AVMA-accredited program 4 and pass the VTNE 3.
Typical veterinary technician path
- Finish high school or a GED.
- Complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.
- Pass the VTNE.
- Apply for Missouri RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure.
Hour totals, alternate routes, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Missouri veterinary medical board before you enroll.
Veterinary Technologist Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Wages by Metro Area in Missouri
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), veterinary technologists and technicians wages in Missouri vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 1,000 | $44,860 | $44,530 | $34,880 | $50,970 |
| Kansas City | 880 | $46,260 | $46,920 | $38,030 | $58,360 |
| Columbia | 130 | $44,810 | $45,960 | $36,270 | $60,860 |
| Springfield | 130 | $38,530 | $40,640 | $30,000 | $47,180 |
| Jefferson City | 50 | $40,100 | $40,660 | $30,940 | $46,720 |
| Cape Girardeau | 40 | $40,160 | $40,090 | $30,850 | $46,480 |
| Joplin | 40 | $39,080 | $38,660 | $30,410 | $45,540 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for veterinary technologists in Missouri? Missouri currently employs approximately 2,040 veterinary technologists 1. Nationally, veterinary technologist employment is projected to grow 9.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a veterinary technologist in Missouri with an out-of-state license? Contact the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance - Missouri State Veterinary Medical Board for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Missouri? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Missouri.
How much do veterinary technologists earn in Missouri compared to the national average? The median annual wage for veterinary technologists in Missouri is $43,520, which is $2,460 below the national median of $45,980 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
AAVSB - Veterinary Technician National Examination: https://www.aavsb.org/vtne ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
AVMA - Veterinary Technology Programs: https://www.avma.org/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |