The NAVTA 2024 Demographic Survey offers an in-depth look at several facets of the veterinary nurse/technician profession. In this analysis of 1404 responses from NAVTA members via the 2024 survey, we focus on 4 major themes that emerge from the data:
- Professional credentials, education, and identity
- Income and overall job satisfaction
- Role clarity, workload, and utilization of skills
- Wellness, professional challenges, and future outlook of the field
Professional Credentials, Education, and Identity
One of the most prominent themes that arises from the survey data is the emphasis on professional credentials and the desire for a unified identity within the veterinary nurse/technician community. The data reveal that a significant majority (83%) of respondents are credentialed veterinary technicians. Most have graduated from AVMA-accredited programs (82%), and nearly half (46%) hold at least an associate of applied science or associate of science degree in veterinary technology or veterinary nursing. Meanwhile, smaller percentages have earned a bachelor of art or science degree (10%) or even a master’s degree (2% in veterinary technology, 6% in another field).
The survey results also show a robust desire for a standardized national credential. A remarkable 90% of respondents agree on the importance of having a nationally recognized credential—one that affirms the idea that every veterinary technician is a credentialed veterinary technician, meaning they have graduated from an AVMA-accredited school, passed the veterinary technician national exam, and meet their state’s requirements for licensure (FIGURE 1A). Additionally, 93% of respondents strongly support protecting the title “veterinary technician,” so that only those who meet the required standards can use it (FIGURE 1B), and 94% agree on the importance of having a standardized scope of practice across the United States (FIGURE 1C). These high percentages indicate that practitioners are proud of their credentials and keen on ensuring that their profession is clearly defined, consistently regulated, and respected at a national level.
Figure 1. NAVTA’s 2024 Demographic Survey responses regarding standardized credentials, highlighting the percentages of respondents who reported that (A) having a nationally standardized credential is important, (B) protecting the “veterinary technician” title for those with credentials is important, and (C) having a standardized scope of practice for all veterinary technicians is important.
The call for title protection and a standardized scope of practice reinforces the importance of professional credentials. It reflects an aspiration for clearer career pathways and enhanced public understanding of the veterinary nurse/technician’s role, which are in line with NAVTA’s mission and strategic plan.
Adding to this conversation is the debate over the profession’s title. While “veterinary technician” is currently in widespread use, the survey shows that a majority (58%) of respondents would prefer the title “veterinary nurse” (FIGURE 2). Meanwhile, preferences for a professional prefix are split, with 33% favoring “licensed” and 24% favoring “registered,” while 28% have no strong preference. These figures point to an ongoing evolution in professional identity—a balancing act between tradition and the desire for increased professional recognition.
Figure 2. The preferred professional titles according to respondents of NATVA’s 2024 Demographic Survey.
Finally, 60% of respondents indicate a lack of support for the “midlevel practitioner” or veterinary professional associate position, with 65% not planning to pursue a degree in either of these programs. Conversely, 24% show some support, but only 7% indicate they may pursue a degree in these programs.
Income and Overall Job Satisfaction
The NAVTA 2024 Demographic Survey also examines the employment conditions that veterinary nurses/technicians face. A central finding is that, despite positive trends in wage growth, low income remains a major challenge.
The average reported annual gross income is $53 759, with the average hourly rate increasing to $32.89 from $26.50 in 2022 (FIGURE 3). Based on these averages, the computed salary reflects an upward trend—an increase of approximately 3.4% over nearly 3 years. Yet, while these numbers suggest incremental progress, low salary remains the single most challenging aspect of the profession. About 39% of respondents cite low pay as the most significant challenge, and 56% identify it as the most significant issue facing veterinary nurses/technicians.
Figure 3. The reported annual gross incomes of respondents to NAVTA’s 2024 Demographic Survey. The average annual gross income reported was $53 759.
Beyond the baseline compensation figures, the data highlight that many veterinary nurses/technicians are juggling multiple jobs. Although three-quarters of respondents hold a single position, 18% are working 2 jobs and 5% are handling 3 or more. The primary reason cited for taking on additional work is the need to supplement income. This situation not only reflects economic pressures, but it also suggests that, despite wage increases, the compensation levels do not fully meet the financial needs of many in the field.
Job satisfaction is another critical component of the employment landscape. Overall, 61% of respondents report being satisfied with their current job in their primary role (FIGURE 4A). However, the numbers indicate a notable shift compared to previous years. In 2022, 25% of veterinary nurses/technicians reported being “extremely satisfied” with their jobs but in 2024 this figure dropped significantly to just 8% (FIGURE 4A). Additionally, overall career satisfaction in veterinary nursing/technology has declined, with fewer veterinary nurses/technicians expressing high satisfaction levels regarding their long-term career choice. While 65% remain satisfied with their career specifically in veterinary nursing/technology, the percentage of those “extremely satisfied” declined from 27% in 2022 to just 12% in 2024 (FIGURE 4B). At the same time, dissatisfaction rates have increased, suggesting growing concerns about long-term career outlook, potentially influenced by economic pressures and other industry challenges.
Figure 4. NAVTA’s 2024 Demographic Survey responses regarding job satisfaction, highlighting how respondents reported their (A) overall job satisfaction in their current role and (B) overall satisfaction with their career in veterinary technology.
Role Clarity, Workload, and Utilization of Skills
The third key theme emerging from the survey concerns the nature of work itself, specifically the clarity of job roles, the workload, and whether veterinary nurses/technicians feel that their skills are being fully utilized.
The survey shows that the vast majority of respondents are actively engaged in clinical areas, with 62% reporting that they spend most of their time in animal care and nursing (as opposed to, for example, spending time supervising others). In addition, many respondents indicate that they spend a considerable amount of time on other clinical activities, such as anesthesia (45%).
A significant number (32%) of respondents devote 100% of their work time to direct patient care, while another 27% spend between 75% and 99% of their work time in clinical settings. These figures provide an accurate picture of the work life of veterinary nurses/technicians. The average work hours per week for respondents of this survey is 37.1 hours, slightly down from the 37.5 hours in 2022.
One particularly revealing aspect of the survey is the perception that credentialed veterinary technicians and uncredentialed support staff sometimes perform similar duties. Approximately 48% of respondents feel that there is little differentiation between the responsibilities of credentialed veterinary technicians and those of their uncredentialed counterparts. This perception may be symptomatic of role ambiguity within many practices, where the delineation of responsibilities is not always clear. Such blurred boundaries can lead to both underutilization of specialized skills and potential frustration among those who have invested in obtaining professional credentials.
Furthermore, only 36% of veterinary nurses/technicians report feeling utilized to their fullest potential, while 44% feel they are sometimes utilized and 19% feel they are not utilized to their fullest potential. These figures reveal a nuanced picture: While many veterinary nurses/technicians are deeply involved in patient care, a sizable fraction still feels that their expertise is not fully leveraged. The discrepancy between the level of direct clinical involvement and the broader utilization of professional skills suggests that many veterinary practices are not optimizing the full range of competencies these professionals possess.
This area of role clarity and workload is critical not only from the standpoint of day-to-day operations but also in terms of long-term career satisfaction and professional development. When specialized training is not recognized or adequately utilized, it can contribute to feelings of stagnation and frustration. In the context of a profession that is already grappling with issues such as low income and burnout, the lack of clear, differentiated roles can further exacerbate the challenges that veterinary nurses/technicians face.
Wellness, Professional Challenges, and Future Outlook of the Field
The final major theme drawn from the survey data revolves around wellness, the profession’s multifaceted challenges, and its future outlook.
A particularly striking finding is the prevalence of compassion fatigue: 88% of respondents report that they either have experienced compassion fatigue at some point or are currently dealing with it. A small but notable 7% report experiencing compassion fatigue both in the past and presently. These high percentages indicate that the emotional and mental demands of the job are taking a significant toll.
In addition to compassion fatigue, other wellness-related issues are evident. Although 50% of workplaces reportedly discuss the impact of compassion fatigue on the veterinary team, nearly one-third of veterinary nurses/technicians (29%) state they do not focus on self-wellness as much as they would like. Furthermore, only 41% of respondents consistently use all their allotted paid time off (PTO), and 9% are not offered any PTO. These findings suggest that while there is some institutional recognition of wellness issues, many veterinary nurses/technicians still struggle to find the time and resources needed to care for their own wellbeing.
When considering the broader professional challenges, low income remains a recurring theme. As noted earlier, 56% of respondents identify low income as the most significant issue they face in their current roles. In addition, the survey responses point to other challenges, such as burnout, lack of professional recognition, and staffing issues. The fact that low salary is cited both as the most immediate challenge (39%) and as the top anticipated challenge over the next 5 years (61%) underscores the pervasive financial concerns in the field (FIGURE 5).
Figure 5. Responses to NAVTA’s 2024 Demographic Survey regarding the top 3 issues that respondents see affecting their job over the next 5 years. CE = continuing education
Looking ahead, the future outlook for veterinary nurses/technicians is mixed. A majority (57%) state that given the chance, they would likely choose to become a veterinary nurse/technician again, which suggests a fundamental commitment to the profession despite its challenges. However, nearly 7% say they would not choose the career again, highlighting how issues such as low income, burnout, and underutilization are starting to erode professional optimism for some.
The survey also indicates that broader economic conditions and evolving industry practices (such as the increasing influence of corporate veterinary practices) are expected to further complicate the professional landscape in the next 5 years. With 41% of respondents predicting that economic factors and employment conditions will significantly impact their jobs, there is a clear sense that external pressures will continue to shape the work environment for veterinary nurses/technicians.
In Summary
Taken as a whole, this survey paints a picture of a dedicated yet overburdened workforce. Veterinary nurses/technicians are at the frontline of animal care, armed with a high level of education and professional credentials. They are critical players in the day-to-day operations of veterinary practices, directly impacting patient care. However, the data also reveal that despite their essential contributions, these professionals face persistent challenges—from low income and blurred role definitions to the toll of compassion fatigue and looming economic uncertainties.
Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts by professional associations, educational institutions, and employers alike. Enhancing compensation, clarifying roles, and instituting comprehensive wellness programs will help ensure that veterinary nurses/technicians are not only recognized for their expertise but also supported in their professional journeys.
For full survey results, visit go.navc.com/44oMUEh.