How to Become a Veterinary Technologist in New Jersey (2026)
New Jersey employs about 2,910 veterinary technologists earning a median $49,050 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 New Jersey veterinary medical board.
New Jersey employs approximately 2,910 veterinary technologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $49,050 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 New Jersey, 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 (New Jersey): $49,050 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Veterinary Technologist in New Jersey
How to become a Veterinary Technologist in New Jersey? Complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program, the VTNE, and state RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure. Apply through the New Jersey 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 New Jersey veterinary medical board.
Do I need a license in New Jersey? Yes. New Jersey 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 New Jersey? The median annual wage for veterinary technologists in New Jersey is $49,050 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $37,870 and experienced professionals can earn $75,310 or more 1.
How to Become a Veterinary Technologist in New Jersey
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Veterinary technology programs in New Jersey 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 New Jersey RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure. Apply through the New Jersey 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 New Jersey
New Jersey 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 New Jersey RVT, LVT, or CVT licensure.
Hour totals, alternate routes, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with the New Jersey veterinary medical board before you enroll.
Veterinary Technologist Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Wages by Metro Area in New Jersey
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), veterinary technologists and technicians wages in New Jersey vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | 4,850 | $59,680 | $61,500 | $46,560 | $78,500 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 3,370 | $48,340 | $50,820 | $36,850 | $65,120 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | 430 | $46,650 | $46,770 | $36,870 | $59,110 |
| Trenton-Princeton | 180 | $47,820 | $50,460 | $36,820 | $70,490 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton | 80 | $46,010 | $45,830 | $35,330 | $61,650 |
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 New Jersey? New Jersey currently employs approximately 2,910 veterinary technologists 1. Nationally, veterinary technologist employment is projected to grow 9.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in New Jersey? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in New Jersey.
How much do veterinary technologists earn in New Jersey compared to the national average? The median annual wage for veterinary technologists in New Jersey is $49,050, which is $3,070 above 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) |