Career comparison
Animal Scientist vs. Veterinary Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Animal scientists earn more at the median ($68,940 vs. $47,380), while veterinary technicians usually get to work faster (2 years of training). Animal scientists research livestock nutrition, breeding and health to improve food production. Veterinary technicians care for animals as the nurses of veterinary medicine.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Animal Scientist | Veterinary Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $68,940 ($33.14/hr) | $47,380 ($22.78/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $44,350 – $166,000 | $35,710 – $63,180 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.8% (faster than average) | +9.4% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 200 | 13,400 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Associate's degree |
| Training time | 4-year degree | 2 years |
| Key credential | PAS | Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) |
| Work setting | Animal scientists work in labs, farms and offices.. | Vet techs work in animal hospitals, clinics, shelters and labs. |
What each job does
Animal Scientist
- Research nutrition
- Design feed rations
- Study genetics
- Study welfare
- Advise producers
Veterinary Technician
- Take patient histories and vital signs
- Draw blood and run lab tests
- Take radiographs
- Place IV catheters and give medications as directed
- Monitor anesthesia and assist in surgery
How they’re similar
Both careers involve in-demand, hands-on work, and helping others. Both are part of the agriculture, landscaping & animal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose animal scientist if…
- I love animals and agriculture
- I like science
- I don’t mind farms
Choose veterinary technician if…
- I love animals
- I’m comfortable with medical procedures
- I stay calm in emergencies
Still torn? Take the Animal Scientist fit quiz and the Veterinary Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, animal scientist or veterinary technician?
Animal Scientists earn more at the median: $68,940 versus $47,380 for veterinary technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Veterinary Technicians typically train faster (2 years) than animal scientists (4-year degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects veterinary technicians to grow +9.4% from 2025–35, compared with +5.8% for animal scientists.