A veterinary technician’s salary in Canada ranges from around $32,000 annually at entry-level to approximately $60,000 in 2023. Mid-range salaries are in the region of $42,000 per annum.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Canada By Province?
The best government statistics for comparing wages by province are presented as hourly pay rates. This applies to all occupations, including those where pay is based on an annual salary.
Low and high wage rates are provided along with the average median wage; the median is the middle point of the data range when all wages are listed in numerical order.
| Veterinary Technician's Hourly Wages By Province (NOC 32104) | |||
| Province | Low ($ Hr) | Median ($ Hr) | High ($ Hr) |
| Canada | 15.00 | 20.00 | 28.00 |
| Alberta | 17.00 | 23.00 | 35.00 |
| British Columbia | 15.65 | 21.00 | 26.04 |
| Manitoba | 14.30 | 19.50 | 30.98 |
| New Brunswick | 13.75 | 16.50 | 24.00 |
| Newfoundland | 15.00 | 17.30 | 24.50 |
| Northwest Territories | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nova Scotia | 16.00 | 17.50 | 24.50 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 16.50 | 20.00 | 26.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | 15.00 | 17.00 | 32.00 |
| Quebec | 14.25 | 21.00 | 26.00 |
| Saskatchewan | 17.00 | 19.75 | 28.85 |
| Yukon Territory | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| This information has been compiled from several sources, including data from Statistics Canada and the Labour Force Survey. As of May 2023 this is the most recent published data, gathered from prior years surveys. | |||
Which Province Has The Highest Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Canada?
The highest mid-range veterinary technician’s salary in Canada is in Alberta, where salaries are around 15% above the national average.
Salaries in Alberta are typically higher than in other provinces in Canada. This applies across all job sectors, but the most significant differences are seen in occupations related to the oil and gas industry.
At the other end of the scale, the lowest veterinary technician’s salary in Canada is in the maritime provinces, where mid-range salaries are around 15% lower than average. However, the cost of living here is lower than in many regions of Canada, so salaries here should be viewed in this context.
Are Vet Techs In Demand In Canada?
The job market for vet technicians over the next five years is expected to become highly competitive, with new job seekers far exceeding the number of job openings.
Government projections (carried out by EDC) for 2022 to 2031 showed projected job openings for veterinary technicians as 7,800, compared to 17,300 new job seekers who will fill these posts.
Job openings will result from:
- Increased pet ownership due to population growth
- Greater demand for veterinary care fuelled by improved insurance products
- Ongoing reinforcement of animal food quality
- Experienced technicians are now authorized to carry out tasks previously restricted to vets
On the downside, this job area is extremely popular with school leavers. Many turn to the vet tech occupation due to the limited number of positions for veterinary training.
A veterinary technician’s salary in Canada in 2023 is expected to be around 4% higher than a veterinary technician’s salary in Canada in 2022.
What Is An NOC Code In Canada?
National Occupational Classification Codes (or NOC Codes) are numbers used to categorize jobs in Canada. All occupations are numbered based on the training, education, experience and responsibilities required to perform the job. In 2022 a new system of numbers was introduced whereby the previous 4-digit NOC codes were replaced with new 5-digit codes.
What Is The NOC Code For A Veterinary Technician In Canada?
The current NOC code for veterinary technicians in Canada is 32104 (note that under the old system, the NOC code was 3213). This NOC code covers all jobs with the following names:
- Animal health technician
- Animal health technologist
- Laboratory animal technician
- Registered veterinary technician (RVT)
- Veterinarian assistant
- Vet Tech
- Veterinary technician
- Veterinary technologist
Note that a veterinary helper is a lower-level position than a vet tech. For example, a vet helper requires a minimum high school education versus a 2-3 year college program for a vet tech.
Can Immigrant Vet Tech Work In Canada?
If you qualified as a vet tech overseas, you may be able to work in Canada. However, this will depend on your choice of province and whether your qualifications are equivalent to Canadian ones.
Veterinary technicians are regulated provincially, and the requirements differ from province to province.
For instance, many provinces require your qualifications to be assessed for Canadian equivalency. This is done through the International Credentials Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS). You can apply for provincial registration if your qualifications are considered equivalent.
The good news is that the NOC code for this job sector appears on the Government of Canada’s list of target occupations for immigration. This means that you could be eligible for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, which provides express entry to Canada.
You may also find the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) website useful.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Ontario?
A veterinary technician’s salary in Ontario ranges from $34,650 to $54,600 per annum. The mid-range salary is $42,000, which is on par with the national mid-range salary in Canada.
Vet tech’ salaries in Ontario are very consistent across the province. This includes Toronto, where veterinary technicians’ salaries are generally in line with provincial averages.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Starting Salary In Ontario?
The starting salary for a veterinary technician in Ontario is $34,650, which is slightly higher than the national starting salary in Canada.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Toronto?
A mid-range veterinary technician’s salary in Toronto is $42,000, which is typical of salaries across Canada. However, it’s important to note that Toronto has a high cost of living, with some of the highest real estate costs in Canada. You might enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Toronto.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Ottawa?
A mid-range veterinary technician’s salary in Ottawa is $39,900, slightly lower than in Toronto. However, property costs in Ottawa are lower than in Toronto, which might make your salary stretch a bit further in the nation’s capital compared to Toronto.
Are Veterinary Technicians In Demand In Ontario?
Yes, vet techs are in demand in Ontario, and the job prospects here are rated “moderate,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. This is a growing occupation, but the number of skilled workers is also increasing to fill the demand.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Alberta?
A veterinary technician’s salary in Alberta ranges from $35,700 to $73,500. The mid-range salary is $48,300, which is significantly higher than the national mid-range salary in Canada.
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What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Starting Salary In Alberta?
The starting salary for a veterinary technician in Alberta is $35,700, which is higher than the national starting salary in Canada.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Calgary?
A mid-range veterinary technician’s salary in Calgary is $48,300, which is higher than average national salaries. Also, Calgary has a lower cost of living compared to most other major cities in Canada, so you might enjoy a higher standard of living here.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Edmonton?
A veterinary technician’s salary in Edmonton is $48,300., in line with that in Calgary. The cost of living, especially property prices, is low in Edmonton, which means you are likely to enjoy a higher standard of living than in many cities in Canada.
Are Veterinary Technicians In Demand In Alberta?
Yes, vet techs are in demand in Alberta, and the job prospects here are rated “good,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024. Alberta’s robust livestock industry and increasing pet ownership have led to a steady demand for veterinary technicians. So, if you’re considering this career path, Alberta could be a great place for you.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In BC?
A veterinary technician’s salary in BC ranges from $35,175 to $54,684. The mid-range salary is $44,100, which is slightly higher than the national mid-range salary in Canada.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Starting Salary In BC?
The starting salary for a veterinary technician in BC is $35,175, which is slightly higher than the national starting salary in Canada.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Vancouver?
A mid-range veterinary technician’s salary in Vancouver is $44,100. However, Vancouver has a high cost of living, with some of Canada’s highest real estate costs. You might enjoy a higher standard of living outside of Vancouver.
What Is A Veterinary Technician’s Salary In Victoria?
A veterinary technician’s salary in Victoria is $43,218, slightly lower than in Vancouver. However, property costs in Victoria are lower than in Vancouver, which might make your salary stretch a bit further than in Vancouver.
Are Veterinary Technicians In Demand In BC?
Demand for veterinary technicians in BC is expected to be slow over the next few years. The job prospects here are rated “very limited,” according to government forecasts covering 2022 to 2024.
Where To Find More Information About Vet Tech Jobs In Canada
If you would like more specific information for a particular job or location, the online “Job Bank” is a great resource.
The “Trends Analysis” section allows you to search for a job type in any location. It will then provide information including:
- Average wages levels
- Marketplace trends
- Qualification requirements
- Geographic comparisons
- Currently available jobs
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