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Looking for a career in the medical field without having to commit to years of higher education? You might consider working as a pharmacy technician, also known as a pharmacy tech.

A ​​pharmacy technician works closely with a pharmacist to ensure the health and safety of their patients. They locate, dispense, pack, and label a prescribed medication for a patient that is then reviewed for accuracy by a pharmacist. They also help with administrative tasks like processing insurance claims, tracking inventory, and filing paperwork.

The question is, how much does a pharmacy technician make? Pay can vary widely depending on location, workplace, and level of experience, but the average annual salary for a pharmacy technician in the U.S. as of January 5, 2024 is $40,074, according to ZipRecruter.

To better understand what it takes to become a pharmacy technician and how much they can earn, keep reading.

What Are Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in the functioning of every pharmacy. They often work side by side with pharmacists and perform similar duties, such as filling prescriptions, talking with patients and doctors, and keeping pharmacies orderly and up to safety standards. However, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have different educational backgrounds, job responsibilities, and salaries.

Legally, pharmacy technicians can fill patient prescriptions, provided they are reviewed by a pharmacist before they are given out. Pharmacy technicians cannot, however, recommend medications to patients, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Pharmacy technicians typically work in retail stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Their responsibilities may include:

•   Entering patient information and prescriptions into a computer system

•   Talking to pharmacy customers on the phone and in person

•   Managing pharmacy inventory

•   Preparing medications for pharmacists by reading orders, preparing labels, and calculating the appropriate quantities

•   Processing patients’ insurance and serving as a liaison between the pharmacy and insurance companies and physician offices

•   Assisting with administrative tasks, such as billing, record keeping, and insurance paperwork

Like pharmacists, pharmacy technicians can practice in a specialty industry like academia, community, or government, or in a specialty area like critical care, oncology, or pediatrics.

To be a successful pharmacy technician, you generally need to be a detail-oriented team player with excellent communication skills. As a result, working as a pharmacy technician may not be a great fit for someone who likes to work alone or is more of an introvert.

Since pharmacy techs interact with customers every day and work under the supervision of pharmacists, it’s also not possible to find a work-from-home job, so you need to be prepared to head into the workplace every day.


💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Make When They Are Starting Out?

Starting salaries for pharmacy technicians can fall anywhere from $30.000 to $54,500. With experience, techs typically have many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

What Is the Average Salary for a Pharmacy Technician?

How much does a pharmacy technician make an hour? The average hourly wage for a pharmacy tech is $19. However, hourly wage can range anywhere from $14.42 to $20.43.

The average annual salary for a pharmacy technician in the U.S. is $40,074. But how much a certified pharmacy technician makes can go up to $54,500.

Generally, pharmacy techs who work at hospitals earn more than those who work at pharmacies and drug retailers. Rising up to the level of management can give a pharmacy technician a significant bump in earnings. If you go on to get a pharmacy degree, you could make well over $100,000 per year.

The Average Pharmacy Technician Salary by State for 2024

How much money a pharmacy technician makes can vary by location. What follows is a breakdown of how much a pharmacy technician makes per year, on average, by state (highest to lowest).

State	Average Annual Salary
New York	$45,054
Vermont	$44,321
Maine	$42,433
Pennsylvania	$41,261
Washington	$41,013
Massachusetts	$40,400
New Hampshire	$40,272
New Jersey	$40,226
Alaska	$40,173
Oregon	$39,741
North Dakota	$39,694
Wisconsin	$39,587
Wyoming	$39,369
Hawaii	$38,937
Colorado	$38,663
Indiana	$38,654
New Mexico	$38,041
Nevada	$37,984
Minnesota	$37,948
Arizona	$37,855
South Dakota	$37,515
Montana	$37,285
Ohio	$36,970
Alabama	$36,818
Rhode Island	$36,809
Delaware	$36,658
Virginia	$36,256
Connecticut	$36,122
Iowa	$36,089
Mississippi	$35,711
Illinois	$35,687
California	$35,616
Maryland	$35,534
Tennessee	$35,298
Utah	$35,189
Nebraska	$34,867
Missouri	$34,410
Georgia	$34,300
South Carolina	$34,064
Idaho	$33,990
Oklahoma	$33,766
Texas	$33,688
Kansas	$33,618
North Carolina	$33,360
Louisiana	$33,131
Kentucky	$32,060
Michigan	$32,035
West Virginia	$31,867
Arkansas	$30,452
Florida	$30,355

Source: ZipRecruiter

Recommended: 25 High-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand

Pharmacy Technician Job Considerations for Pay & Benefits

You may be able to get a job as a pharmacy technician with just a high school degree and on-the-job training. However, you can increase your earning potential and job opportunities by completing a postsecondary education program, such as a certificate program or an associate’s degree and getting certified.

There are certificate programs available online that take around nine months to complete. Completing one of these programs helps prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). There also are certificate programs that include a hands-on learning component where students spend time training in a pharmacy.

An associate’s degree program typically takes around two years to complete and often includes internship or externship experiences. Often students take the PTCE following their externship experience.

Because so many pharmacy technician jobs are full-time, pharmacy technicians typically receive a full suite of benefits, including healthcare and retirement plans, that increase the value of their total compensation.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Pharmacy Technician Salary

As with any career path, there are both advantages and disadvantages to becoming a pharmacy technician. Here’s a closer look at the job’s pros and cons.

Pros of Being a Pharmacy Technician

Being a pharmacy tech comes with a number of benefits:

•   Positive job outlook The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth rate for this industry between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

•   Opportunity for advancement Many pharmacy techs advance to roles in pharmacy management or even get the necessary education to become a licensed pharmacist. Some may explore related careers, such as pharmaceutical sales, medical equipment, or medical technology.

•   Choice of work environments While many pharmacy techs work in retail pharmacies, you have the flexibility to work in other environments, such as a hospital, nursing home, clinic, alternative pharmacy, veterinary facility, or mail-order pharmacy.

•   Flexible hours Pharmacy techs may have the option to work part time or just on weekends and evenings. Often, you can make the schedule work with your other commitments.

•   Doesn’t require a college degree Many people become pharmacy techs with just a high school diploma or GED. However, there’s some necessary training, and some states require licensure. Typically, pharmacy techs opt to pursue the Certified Pharmacy Technician certification, since it can enable them to get better jobs and earn higher pay.

Recommended: Best Entry-Level Jobs for Antisocial People

Cons of Being a Pharmacy Technician

Being a pharmacy tech also comes with some downsides:

•   Work can be repetitive For many pharmacy techs, there isn’t much variety in their job duties. They fill prescriptions, enter data, help customers, and answer phone calls, which could become monotonous over time.

•   Customers can occasionally be difficult Some customers may be distressed and, as a result, interactions may sometimes be challenging. In addition, customers may get upset if their insurance doesn’t cover their prescription or it isn’t ready when they come in.

•   Requires regular recertification While you can work as an entry level pharmacy tech without certification, people in this role generally choose to get certified. And because the field is constantly changing and developing, you need to take a recertification exam every two years, which comes with a fee (though some employers may cover it).

•   Work environment can be stressful Pharmacies can get busy and techs often need to handle a high customer load in a fast-paced environment. In addition, techs are under pressure to help fill and label each prescription accurately, since errors can cause people to have negative reactions.

Recommended: The Pros and Cons of Salary vs Hourly Pay

The Takeaway

If you are looking for an engaging and stable career in the healthcare field that doesn’t require a college degree, pharmacy technician work may be a good fit. The job has a positive growth outlook and, once you get a job as a pharmacy tech, there are many opportunities to advance and earn more than the average salary for pharmacy technicians.

Once you start earning a regular paycheck as a pharmacy technician (or any other role you choose), you’ll want to manage your money carefully, making sure that what goes out of your bank account each month doesn’t exceed what goes in.

FAQ

What is the highest paying pharmacy technician job?

Generally, certified pharmacy technicians who work in a hospital setting earn more than those that work at drug retailers. A pharmacy tech can make even more if they grow into a supervisory or managerial position.

Do pharmacy technicians make 100k a year?

Generally, pharmacy technicians make less than $100,000 per year. The average annual salary for a pharmacy technician in the U.S. is $40,074.

How much do pharmacy technicians make starting out?

Certified pharmacy techs can start out earning anywhere between $30.000 and $54,500.

---

Photo credit: iStock/Dimensions

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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The median salary for a physical therapy is $97,720, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While that’s seen as a good salary in most parts of the country, money isn’t the only factor to consider if you’re thinking about a career as a physical therapist. You’ll also want to weigh the potential rewards (you can help people feel better) and drawbacks (the work can be physically taxing).

Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Physical Therapists?

A physical therapist (PT) is a wellness provider who specializes in the body’s physical movements. An athlete might see a physical therapist after sustaining an injury. Or a stroke patient might visit one to regain the ability to walk.

It can take about seven or eight years of study to become a PT, including four years of undergraduate study and three years to complete a doctor of physical therapy program.

PTs need to be physically able to support patients who cannot carry their own weight. It also helps if they’re outgoing, since they work with patients all day long. (Prefer a career where you don’t have to deal with people? Consider a job for introverts.)

Recommended: 11 Work-From-Home Jobs for Retirees

How Much Do Starting Physical Therapists Make?

If you’re exploring the profession, you may wonder what a good entry-level salary is for a new physical therapist. Salaries for physical therapists fresh out of school run the gamut from $57,351 to $92,416, with the average salary coming in around $72,897.

The amount you make will likely depend on where you live, where you work, and your assigned tasks. The more experience you gain as a physical therapist, the more money you may be able to make.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

What Is the Average Salary for a Physical Therapist?

Like most fields, physical therapy tends to pay more as you gain more experience. So how much does a physical therapist make a year?

Some PTs get paid by the hour, while others earn an annual salary. You can look at salary vs. hourly incomes to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.

On average, a physical therapist makes around $46.98 per hour, though that rate can range from $32.65 to $61.94. In terms of salary, a typical physical therapist can earn anywhere from $67,910 to $128,839; the median salary is $97,720.

What is the Average Physical Therapist Salary by State for 2023?

A physical therapist’s pay can vary widely based on where they work. Here’s a look at how much a physical therapist makes per year in each state, from highest to lowest.

State	Average Salary
California	$106,493
Alaska	$95,954
Washington	$88,437
Nevada	$85,244
Hawaii	$81,840
Massachusetts	$79,796
Oregon	$78,937
New Jersey	$78,760
Minnesota	$77,587
Arizona	$77,008
Connecticut	$76,988
Delaware	$76,926
Rhode Island	$76,918
Maryland	$76,765
Wyoming	$76,240
New Hampshire	$76,203
Virginia	$75,627
Illinois	$75,232
Mississippi	$75,221
Idaho	$74,891
New York	$74,295
New Mexico	$74,292
Nebraska	$74,016
Alabama	$73,562
Louisiana	$73,531
Texas	$72,675
Colorado	$72,634
Oklahoma	$71,849
Wisconsin	$71,769
South Carolina	$71,724
Michigan	$71,589
Pennsylvania	$71,255
North Carolina	$70,975
Indiana	$70,909
Georgia	$70,314
North Dakota	$70,298
Maine	$70,091
Kansas	$69,896
Kentucky	$69,892
Utah	$69,855
Ohio	$69,275
Montana	$69,053
Tennessee	$68,632
Missouri	$68,447
West Virginia	$67,957
Iowa	$67,671
Florida	$67,478
South Dakota	$66,170
Vermont	$65,309
Arkansas	$64,149

Source: Zippia

Recommended: The Highest-Paying Jobs in Every State

Physical Therapist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

When you’re figuring out competitive pay for a PT, you’ll want to weigh a number of factors. For starters, where you live and work can greatly impact how much you get paid. Your area of specialty can also play a role in how much you earn. Oncology, pediatrics, sports medicine, orthopedics, and rehabilitation all come with their specific roles, responsibilities, and salary ranges.

You may find that your salary goes up if you oversee other employees. And your income may also change depending on whether you decide to work for someone else or open your own practice.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Pros and Cons of Being a Physical Therapist

As with any job, there are benefits and drawbacks to being a physical therapist.

Pros

One big draw to consider is the potential salary, which can be fairly high no matter where you live. You’ll also have the opportunities to help people on the road to recovery after an injury or illness, which can be gratifying.

Another plus? Flexibility. PTs can often choose to work full time or part time. And if you’re open to hitting the road for work, there are jobs available for traveling physical therapists.

Recommended: Is a $100,000 Salary Good?

Cons

As anyone who’s ever been to physical therapy before can attest, the work can be physically taxing. You’ll need to be able-bodied so you can help support patients during their visits.

Something else to consider? The job typically involves a great deal of paperwork — think logging detailed notes on each patient, handling administrative work, and corresponding with providers.

And then there are the additional years of school you’ll have to go through before you can start working. The cost of a doctor of physical therapy program varies, but tuition for a three-year program can be around $66,000 for an in-state public institution. If you plan on attending a private program, you could end up paying upwards of $113,000 or more. You’ll need to find a way to either cover these costs on your own or take out a student loan, which you’ll have to repay.

Whether you’re figuring out how to pay for the extra schooling or how to maximize your income, creating a budget is a good place to start. An online spending app can help take the guesswork out of the job.

The Takeaway

A career in physical therapy requires additional schooling, but the potential rewards can be worth it. Not only would you be helping people regain their strength and mobility, you may also enjoy work-life balance and a good salary.

FAQ

What is the highest paying physical therapist job?

On the high end, experienced physical therapists can earn around $128,830 per year.

Do physical therapists make $100k a year?

Yes, some physical therapists can earn $100,000 a year or more, depending on their experience and responsibilities.

How much do physical therapists make starting out?

On average, new physical therapists can expect to earn about $72,897 per year.

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Photo credit: iStock/andresr

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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A dentist who’s been working for five or so years can make around $154,774 a year, according to the latest figures from Payscale. That competitive pay reflects the significant amount of education and training required to do the job. But even brand-new dentists could earn a six-figure salary. The average annual pay for entry-level dentists, including bonuses and overtime, is $130,875.

While becoming a dentist isn’t cheap — the typical dental school graduate owes around $286,200 in student loan debt, according to the Educational Data Initiative — the field is often regarded as virtually recession-proof.

Here’s a closer look at what dentists do, how much they can earn, and the pros and cons to consider.

What Are Dentists?

Dentists are healthcare providers who specialize in oral health, which includes the teeth, gums and mouth. In addition to routine exams and cleanings, a dentist can also perform a variety of services, including filling cavities, putting in crowns or bridges, pulling teeth, or designing and installing dentures. Some dentists operate their own practices, which means they may also manage staff, finances, and marketing.

Being a dentist means interacting with patients all day long. If you are shy and have difficulty starting conversations, you might explore jobs for introverts instead.

Also important to know: It can take six to eight years to become a dentist. While there’s no fast track, know that once you complete your studies, you should be able to earn a nice salary.

As you’re establishing yourself professionally, it’s a good idea to also create short- and long-term financial goals for yourself. Online tools like a money tracker app can help you keep track of your spending and saving and provide useful insights.

How Much Do Starting Dentists Make?

If you’re considering going through those six to eight years of study, you may want to know, what is a good entry-level salary for a dentist just starting out?

As mentioned before, a brand-new dentist can earn an average of $130,875, which includes bonus and overtime. How much does a dentist make a month? If you break this down, it would come out to $10,906 a month. Keep in mind that if you took out a dental school loan, some of your salary may need to go to paying back what you owe.


💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

What is the Average Salary for a Dentist?

After a few years on the job, how much can dentists make a year? The good news is, salaries usually rise as you gain more experience.

According to data from Payscale, dentists with one to four years of experience earn an average of $144,075 a year. With five to nine years of experience, the average annual salary rises to $154,774. After working 10-19 years, a dentist could earn an annual average of $157,700. And dentists with 20 years or more of experience earn around $169,644 a year.

While most dentists are given a salary, some get paid by the hour instead. In those cases, how much does a dentist make an hour? According to data from Indeed, the average hourly rate is $84.09.

Recommended: Is $100,000 a Good Salary?

What Is the Average Dentist Salary by State?

Wondering how a dentist’s income stacks up against the highest-paying jobs in your state? Check out this chart of average dentist salaries by state.

State	Average Salary
Alabama	$158,710
Alaska	$214,683
Arizona	$163,176
Arkansas	$158,808
California	$178,387
Colorado	$201,027
Connecticut	$162,710
Delaware	$189,160
Florida	$130,850
Georgia	$147,851
Hawaii	$209,888
Idaho	$170,599
Illinois	$186,110
Indiana	$166,621
Iowa	$161,303
Kansas	$183,143
Kentucky	$167,951
Louisiana	$147,275
Maine	$174,287
Maryland	$183,213
Massachusetts	$212,512
Michigan	$166,435
Minnesota	$168,682
Mississippi	$194,658
Missouri	$178,102
Montana	$160,717
Nebraska	$179,358
Nevada	$202,984
New Hampshire	$171,464
New Jersey	$176,216
New Mexico	$167,659
New York	$192,506
North Carolina	$172,893
North Dakota	$214,368
Ohio	$163,943
Oklahoma	$173,694
Oregon	$215,367
Pennsylvania	$176,353
Rhode Island	$199,480
South Carolina	$176,536
South Dakota	$202,600
Tennessee	$156,518
Texas	$169,407
Utah	$156,663
Vermont	$187,907
Virginia	$186,499
Washington	$206,840
West Virginia	$136,199
Wisconsin	$174,572
Wyoming	$168,805

Source: ZipRecruiter

Dentist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

Curious about how much a general dentist makes a year? The answer varies depending on several factors, including their experience, area of specialty, where they work, and whether they run their own practice.

But if you’re wondering what trade makes the most money, dentistry is up there. And there’s certainly job security. As long as people have teeth (or need to use them), there will be jobs for dentists!

Recommended: What Are the Pros and Cons of Raising Minimum Wage?

Pros and Cons of Being a Dentist

You might be excited at the prospect of making good money as a dentist, but it’s a smart move to weigh potential benefits and drawbacks of the profession. Here are ones to consider:

Pros:

•   Competitive pay

•   Job stability

•   Can help people have good oral health

•   Potential for a good work-life balance

•   Ability to be able to run your own practice

Cons:

•   Typically takes eight years of schooling for to become a dentist — four years of undergraduate school and four for dental school

•   May have a sizable student loan to pay off after graduation

•   May need to be on call for dental emergencies

•   Work often requires making precise movements on a small scale, which can be physically taxing over time

💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

The Takeaway

Dentistry can be a rewarding career, but you’ll need to be prepared for the hard work and high costs it requires. It takes most people eight years of schooling to be a dentist, and a typical dental school graduate owes more than $286,000 in student loan debt.

While that amount of debt can be overwhelming, keep in mind that dentists often command a high salary and typically enjoy job stability. After working for a handful of years, a dentist could make around $154,774 a year. A dentist with 20 years or more of experience may earn $169,644.

If you’re passionate about helping patients — and are looking for a stable, flexible, well-paying job — dentistry may be the right fit for you.

FAQ

What is the highest-paying dentist job?

A dentist who has been working for 20 years or more can command a salary of around $169,644.

Do dentists make $100k a year?

Yes, many dentists, even brand-new ones, can earn $100,000 or more a year.

How much do dentists make starting out?

Dentists who have just completed dental school can earn on average about $130,875 per year, according to the most recent data available from Payscale. That figure includes bonuses and overtime pay.

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Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Being a veterinarian doesn’t just give you an opportunity to work with animals all day — you could also earn good money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a vet is $103,260.

However, the profession requires a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, which generally takes four years to complete. Is it worth the extra education to become a veterinarian? Let’s find out.

What Are Veterinarians?

Veterinarians are medically licensed doctors whose patients are animals. Just like a doctor for humans, vets ensure their patients are healthy by diagnosing issues, treating injuries, and administering vaccinations.

Some veterinarians only work with certain animals, such as horses, or have specialties like immunology, anesthesia, or dentistry.

It typically takes eight years to become a veterinarian, including four years of undergraduate education and four years of veterinary school.

Recommended: What Trade Makes the Most Money?

How Much Do Starting Veterinarians Make?

The average entry-level salary for new veterinarians at an independent practice is $105,637. Working for a corporate practice tends to pay a bit more — the average starting salary is around is $124,686. Some practices may also offer a sign-on bonus.


💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.

What Is the Average Salary for a Veterinarian?

One question you may have is, how much does a veterinarian make an hour? The average hourly rate is $47.25, though with 10 years or more of experience, that amount rises to $67.22 per hour.

Now, how much does a vet make a year? Depending on a host of factors, a vet could earn anywhere from $81,601 on the lower end to $186,300 on the higher end.

Recommended: What Is Competitive Pay?

What is the Average Veterinarian Salary by State for 2023?

Interested in the highest-paying jobs by state so you can see what salaries are like where you live? Here are the state-by-state average salaries for vets, from highest to lowest.

State	Average Salary
Maine	$116,665
New Mexico	$113,328
Vermont	$113,030
Maryland	$111,834
New Jersey	$110,946
North Dakota	$110,753
California	$110,657
New York	$110,501
District of Columbia	$108,136
Rhode Island	$107,862
Massachusetts	$107,585
Pennsylvania	$107,414
Montana	$106,137
Oregon	$105,895
Utah	$105,159
Delaware	$104,715
Ohio	$103,974
Virginia	$102,565
Texas	$102,430
Washington	$102,235
Arizona	$102,186
New Hampshire	$101,407
West Virginia	$100,386
Nevada	$100,280
Arkansas	$100,209
Connecticut	$99,455
Tennessee	$98,307
South Carolina	$98,201
North Carolina	$97,914
Michigan	$97,868
Indiana	$97,022
Illinois	$96,430
Idaho	$96,310
Minnesota	$94,557
Iowa	$94,117
Alaska	$93,118
Georgia	$92,959
Florida	$91,716
Alabama	$91,089
Hawaii	$89,823
Wyoming	$88,138
Colorado	$84,895
Wisconsin	$84,118
Missouri	$83,042
Kentucky	$80,867
Kansas	$77,756
Mississippi	$75,330
Nebraska	$72,814
Louisiana	$68,593
South Dakota	$68,059
Oklahoma	$61,224

Source: Zippia

Veterinarian Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits

The amount you actually get paid as a veterinarian will depend on several factors. For instance, you probably won’t make as much money when you’re fresh out of veterinary school as you would after working in the field for a decade or more. And as the chart above shows, the state where you decide to live will also influence how much you earn.

Other factors that can play a role include whether you choose to work for a corporate practice or private practice, whether you manage staff, and whether you pursue a specialty field.

No matter what your take-home pay is, online tools like a money tracker app can help you create budgets and keep tabs on your finances.

Pros and Cons of Being a Veterinarian

Before you sign up for veterinary school, let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a vet.

Pros

If you love animals, few jobs will put you in as close contact with them as being a vet. On any given day, you could see dogs, cats, snakes, turtles, rabbits, and even horses!

And if you’re looking to make good money, being a veterinarian is a great option. Even starting out, vets could potentially draw a $100,000 salary.

The veterinary industry is stable, which can be appealing if you’re considering opening your own practice. And unlike other medical professions, veterinarians usually keep standard office hours.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Cons

The profession has a few drawbacks to consider. For instance, you may be required to perform emergency services after hours.

Once you finish your undergraduate degree, you’ll also need to complete veterinary school before you can start working. A typical program takes around four years to complete, so you may need to earmark a portion of your salary to pay back medical school student loans.

And like most jobs in the medical field, being a veterinarian can be emotionally taxing. After all, you’ll be responsible for putting fatally wounded or older animals to sleep, and that can be difficult.

Recommended: 30 Low-Stress Jobs for Introverts

The Takeaway

If you’ve read through the drawbacks to being a vet and are still excited about the prospect of helping animals, becoming a veterinarian might be a great fit for you. Just keep in mind that the profession requires an extra four years of education, which can add to your educational debt. Also, salaries can vary widely by state and whether you work for an independent or corporate practice, two factors that could impact your salary.

FAQ

What is the highest paying veterinarian job?

On the high end, veterinarians can make $186,300 per year.

Do veterinarians make over 100k a year?

Yes, many veterinarians earn over $100,000 per year, but that depends on their experience, where they live, and their responsibilities.

How much do veterinarians make starting out?

Just starting out, veterinarians who work at an independent practice can earn an average of $105,637. Those going to work for a corporate practice could make slightly more — an average of $124,686.

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Photo credit: iStock/Viktor Cvetkovic

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*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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A college degree can be a major rite of passage and career stepping stone for millions of Americans. Putting one’s education to work can unlock professional rewards and a solid financial future.

However, there’s no denying that the cost of tuition can be daunting. The student loan debt balance has surged 66% over the past decade and, according to the Federal Reserve, currently totals more than $1.77 trillion (that’s trillion, not billion).

Having those payments unfurling before you can be stressful and frustrating, and the effects of student loan debt can be far-reaching. It can seem as if some of your personal, professional, and financial goals will have to wait until you can pay off what you owe. But there are ways to manage those loans and navigate this situation. After all, student debt is what you are going through, not who you are.

Here, you’ll learn more about student loan debt, how it can impact borrowers’ life decisions, and ways to minimize those effects and manage debt more effectively.

Student Loan Debt Statistics

To understand how impactful student loan debt can be, here’s some perspective. Consumer debt in the United States is measured by the Federal Reserve in five distinct categories — home, auto, credit card, student, and other debt.

Using the Federal Reserve Bank of New York data from 2023, here’s how household debt stacks up in the U.S.:

•   Mortgage debt (excluding HELOCs, or home equity lines of credit): $12.14 trillion

•   Student loan debt: $1.599 trillion

•   Auto loan debt: $1.595 trillion

•   Credit card debt: $1.079 trillion

Here’s how educational debt stacks up more specifically: In 2023, the average student loan borrower carried $37,338 in federal debt and $54,921 in private debt.


💡 Quick Tip: Enjoy no hidden fees and special member benefits when you refinance student loans with SoFi.

Impact of Student Loan Debt on Life Plans

Given the cost of student loan debt, some borrowers may delay big life decisions, such as buying a home or starting a family until they are further along in their loan repayment or have their debt totally paid off. Here are some specifics about the potential negative effects of student loan debt. Then, more happily, you’ll find tips on managing what you owe.

Homebuying

One landmark study in the Journal of Labor Economics found that a $1,000 increase in student loan debt lowered the rate of homeownership by approximately 1.8% for people in their mid-twenties who went to a public college for four years. This is equivalent to a delay of about four months in achieving homeownership per $1,000 in debt.

Indeed, as student debt has increased, homeownership among younger Americans has decreased. Experts, however, caution that this is a complex situation and not a matter of student debt meaning you can’t buy a house.

It’s true that student loans can raise a person’s debt-to-income ratio (DTI), a critical measure of creditworthiness. And it can slow an individual’s ability to save for a down payment.

That said, there are ways to get a mortgage with a student loan. By managing debt responsibly and building your credit score, you can achieve this goal. It’s also wise to look into the various mortgages available with as little as 3% down or even 0% for qualifying candidates.

Pursuing Graduate School

If you have undergraduate student loan debt, you may decide to delay or forgo enrolling in a graduate or professional degree program. Graduate school can often mean even more debt. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average graduate student loan debt is $76,620 among federal borrowers, with only 14.3% of that coming from the borrower’s undergraduate studies.

That said, an advanced degree can mean increased job opportunities. For example, the starting salary for those who majored in computer and information sciences of a recent graduating class was $86,964 with a bachelor’s degree and $105,894 with a master’s degree. And if you want to go to medical school, law school, or business school (which can lead to fulfilling and lucrative careers), you will need significant additional training. So it’s important to determine if taking out the debt is worthwhile vs. your anticipated earning potential.

Recommended: Average Cost of Medical School

Employment and Career Choices

What you’ve just read indicates some of the ways that student loan debt can impact your career plans. There are a couple of other ways that your loan balance might impact your career:

•   If you have significant debt and are faced with the choice between your dream job at a lower salary and a basic job at a higher pay grade, you might opt for the one that fattens your bank account even though it doesn’t thrill you.

•   Also, some companies (particularly those in the financial industry) may check your credit score as part of your job application. Student loans could build your score if you pay on time, and they could broaden your credit mix. But loans also create the opportunity to make a late payment or miss one entirely. Those are aspects of your payment history, the single largest contributor to your score. If you don’t stick to your schedule and pay what you owe every month, you could wind up with a lower score.

Recommended: Average Student Loan Debt by State

Marriage and Divorce

Student loans can also impact one’s personal relationships. According to a 2023 Student Loan Planner® survey, one in four borrowers said they delayed their marriage plans due to student debt. In addition, more than half of respondents (57%) said their student loans were a source of considerable stress in their marriage or relationship.

Marriage can impact your student loan payments, depending on the types of loans you have and the repayment plan you are on. If you are on an income-based repayment plan, your monthly bill might change based on how much you and your spouse earn and how you file your taxes.

Marriages and money can create complex situations that are hard to fully decode. When looking at the impact of student loan debt on divorce, it can be tricky to unravel the interplay of factors. One survey conducted a few years ago found that 13% of respondents attribute student loan debt as a cause of their divorce. Yet some couples with student loan debt were more likely to delay divorce due to their student loans and how it might impact their ability to repay their debt. So in matters of the heart and the wallet, there isn’t a clear consensus.

Recommended: How Marriage Can Affect Your Student Loan Payments

Starting a Family

According to the USDA and other government statistics, it can cost more than $330,000 to raise a child to age 18. That’s no small amount, and it’s a daunting figure for many. Those carrying a hefty amount of student debt may delay parenthood as they pay off their loans.

One landmark New York Times survey in 2018 found that among people who didn’t plan to have children at all, 13% said it was as a result of student debt. In a more recent study of those with high student debt, 35% said they were waiting to have kids due to the impact of their loans on their finances. Still others may respond to this scenario by adopting strategies to pay off student loans faster.

Saving for Retirement

One of the negative effects of debt on young adults is that their retirement savings can be impacted. A recent study conducted by Fidelity found that 84% of borrowers felt that their loans impacted their ability to save for their retirement.

A study from a few years ago bore this out: Research by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that Millennials who had never borrowed student loans saved twice as much for retirement by age 30 as college graduates who have student debt.

Here’s another bit of intel that supports the fact that student debt can make it harder to save for your future. Fidelity also found that the percentage of student loan borrowers who put at least 5% of their salary into their retirement plan rose from 63% to 72% during the Covid-19 loan payment pause.

Delaying retirement savings can mean playing catch up in your later years. Typically, the earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time your money will have to benefit from compound interest.

It can seem overwhelming to start saving for retirement while you’re still paying off student loan debt, but doing both at the same time can help you meet your financial goals in the future.


💡 Quick Tip: Refinancing could be a great choice for working graduates who have higher-interest graduate PLUS loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and/or private loans.

How to Manage Your Student Loans

As you’ve just read, student loans can impact many areas of your life. But you are not alone in this situation, and your loans will not be with you forever. Focus on smart solutions to help you manage your debt repayment. Consider the following strategies.

Keep Paying

Even when money is tight, it’s wise to pay on time, as much as possible. Timely payments are the single biggest contributing factor to your credit score, an important financial metric. So do your best to keep current on those monthly installments.

Make a Budget

It’s hard to effectively manage your student debt and your finances in general if you don’t know how much money you have coming in and going out. If you don’t yet have a budget or yours isn’t working well for you, commit to reviewing different budgeting methods and finding one that works.

This process of tracking your money and possibly trimming your spending could reveal ways to free up more funds to pay off your debt.

Repayment Plans

There are federal student loan repayment plans that base your monthly payment on your income or ones that give you a fixed monthly payment. Those that are based on your income may help you lower your monthly payment.

It can be worthwhile to consider your options. For fixed payments, you may have a choice between standard, graduated, and extended plans. If you focus on income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, you will likely review the SAVE Plan (which replaces REPAYE), PAYE, IBR (income-based repayment), and ICR (income-contingent repayment) plans. With IDR plans, once you satisfy a certain number of months of qualifying payments, you can be eligible for forgiveness on the remaining balance of your loan(s).

Deferment and Forbearance

If you are finding it challenging to pay your federal student loans, you may be able to take advantage of deferment or forbearance, which are both ways of pausing or lowering your payments for a specific period of time. Perhaps you haven’t yet found a job after graduation or have another situation that is impacting your ability to pay; these programs can help qualifying borrowers out.

The main difference between is that during deferment, borrowers are not required to pay the interest that accrues if they have a qualifying loan. With forbearance, however, borrowers are always responsible for paying the interest that accrues, no matter what kind of federal loans they have.

Forgiveness

Here’s another path to lessening the impact of student loans on your life: forgiveness, which means you may not have to pay back some or all of your federal student loans. For these programs, there are a variety of qualifying factors, such as whether you’re a teacher, government employee, or worker at a nonprofit. Other factors could be that you have a disability, your school closed, or you declared bankruptcy, among others. It’s worthwhile to research your eligibility because the upside could be significant.

Recommended: A Look at the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Refinancing

Another possible way to reduce the impact of student debt on your life is student loan refinancing.

When you refinance your loans you take out a new loan with a private lender. Depending on your credit history and financial profile, you can qualify for a lower interest rate, which could substantially lower the amount of money you pay in interest over the life of the loan (depending on the term you select, of course). Two important notes about this:

•   When you refinance federal loans with a private loan, you forfeit federal protections and benefits (such as the forbearance and forgiveness options mentioned above).

•   If you refinance for an extended term, even though your monthly payment may be lower, you may pay more in interest over the life of the loan.

To see how refinancing could help you manage your student loans, take a look at an online student loan refinance calculator.

The Takeaway

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

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Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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