Vet office managers work alongside vets and other veterinary professionals.
While the veterinarian focuses on caring for animals, a vet office manager is focused on keeping the office running smoothly.
This requires a mix of administrative, clerical, and veterinary skills.
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How Much Can I Make as a Vet Office Manager?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a vet office manager is $59,773 per year, including salary and additional pay.
The average base salary is $51,115 per year, and the additional pay averages $8,658 each year.
This can include bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing.
The base salary ranges from $42,000 to $62,000 per year, and you can also expect $6,000-$12,000 in additional pay.
Salary.com has a higher range for vet office managers.
They say the average is $86,449 as of August 27, 2024, and salaries range from $77,628 to $97,574.
There are many factors that influence the salary you can earn as a vet office manager.
This includes your education, skill level, experience, and certifications.
The type of facility you work in and your location will also have an impact.
Generally, vet office managers in larger cities will earn more than those in less populated areas.
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,030 | $33,750 | $16.22 | $43,710 | $27,040 |
| Alaska | 290 | $45,510 | $21.88 | $57,410 | $34,440 |
| Arizona | 3,160 | $41,410 | $19.91 | $48,820 | $34,540 |
| Arkansas | 220 | $34,450 | $16.56 | $41,970 | $27,540 |
| California | 9,320 | $55,740 | $26.80 | $73,330 | $39,280 |
| Colorado | 4,400 | $46,240 | $22.23 | $59,160 | $35,880 |
| Connecticut | 1,880 | $48,980 | $23.55 | $61,560 | $37,240 |
| Delaware | 680 | $42,630 | $20.50 | $60,800 | $29,880 |
| District of Columbia | 140 | $56,420 | $27.13 | $76,030 | $39,240 |
| Florida | 10,310 | $41,640 | $20.02 | $54,300 | $30,270 |
| Georgia | 2,840 | $40,390 | $19.42 | $49,310 | $29,110 |
| Hawaii | 320 | $44,150 | $21.23 | $66,640 | $28,420 |
| Idaho | 740 | $38,400 | $18.46 | $45,930 | $30,610 |
| Illinois | 4,450 | $44,670 | $21.47 | $60,470 | $31,770 |
| Indiana | 2,430 | $41,280 | $19.85 | $48,720 | $31,350 |
| Iowa | 1,050 | $41,530 | $19.97 | $58,640 | $31,390 |
| Kansas | 1,070 | $38,940 | $18.72 | $49,200 | $27,450 |
| Kentucky | 1,920 | $35,370 | $17.01 | $45,760 | $26,960 |
| Louisiana | 1,530 | $31,810 | $15.30 | $41,690 | $23,430 |
| Maine | 860 | $47,560 | $22.86 | $58,800 | $37,480 |
| Maryland | 2,690 | $45,160 | $21.71 | $59,670 | $33,930 |
| Massachusetts | 3,190 | $48,270 | $23.21 | $59,120 | $36,830 |
| Michigan | 3,100 | $46,310 | $22.26 | $57,310 | $36,210 |
| Minnesota | 4,070 | $46,080 | $22.15 | $57,320 | $36,820 |
| Mississippi | 1,010 | $33,990 | $16.34 | $44,090 | $22,350 |
| Missouri | 2,000 | $38,600 | $18.56 | $49,520 | $28,480 |
| Montana | 650 | $39,590 | $19.03 | $48,930 | $30,630 |
| Nebraska | 750 | $40,040 | $19.25 | $48,830 | $29,830 |
| Nevada | 540 | $46,830 | $22.51 | $57,720 | $38,290 |
| New Hampshire | 1,020 | $46,860 | $22.53 | $60,550 | $36,820 |
| New Jersey | 3,660 | $47,100 | $22.64 | $59,950 | $36,390 |
| New Mexico | 800 | $39,070 | $18.78 | $50,690 | $28,630 |
| New York | 5,220 | $55,540 | $26.70 | $76,660 | $39,680 |
| North Carolina | 3,570 | $44,580 | $21.43 | $59,270 | $31,710 |
| North Dakota | 310 | $40,540 | $19.49 | $47,140 | $28,700 |
| Ohio | 4,320 | $40,660 | $19.55 | $49,430 | $30,900 |
| Oklahoma | 960 | $36,540 | $17.57 | $47,230 | $28,600 |
| Oregon | 1,810 | $44,810 | $21.54 | $57,900 | $31,500 |
| Pennsylvania | 5,190 | $44,250 | $21.27 | $59,570 | $31,150 |
| Rhode Island | 450 | $42,510 | $20.44 | $60,700 | $30,090 |
| South Carolina | 1,940 | $41,460 | $19.93 | $56,590 | $30,770 |
| South Dakota | 360 | $41,200 | $19.81 | $45,830 | $36,040 |
| Tennessee | 1,720 | $38,250 | $18.39 | $49,850 | $28,820 |
| Texas | 12,980 | $37,560 | $18.06 | $48,980 | $27,540 |
| Utah | 1,370 | $39,370 | $18.93 | $47,030 | $30,310 |
| Vermont | 430 | $43,080 | $20.71 | $47,780 | $37,370 |
| Virginia | 2,400 | $50,980 | $24.51 | $64,440 | $35,910 |
| Washington | 2,570 | $54,460 | $26.18 | $64,430 | $43,410 |
| West Virginia | 450 | $33,910 | $16.30 | $45,590 | $24,580 |
| Wisconsin | 2,530 | $43,770 | $21.04 | $56,550 | $34,660 |
| Wyoming | 300 | $35,600 | $17.11 | $46,590 | $21,290 |
| Puerto Rico | 450 | $28,710 | $13.80 | $47,450 | $22,430 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is District of Columbia, where the average salary is $56,420.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Vet Office Manager Duties
Being a vet office manager is dynamic.
You’ll need to multitask and be able to pivot between tasks quickly and easily.
Administrative and Management Duties
Administrative duties may include answering phone calls, taking messages, and scheduling appointments.
You may also prepare health, immunization, and euthanasia certificates.
You may also update medical records, and contact and billing information.
Sending out reminders for appointments and vaccinations is often part of the job as well.
You’ll perform basic accounting and bookkeeping tasks.
This includes creating invoices, billing clients, and managing the budget.
In some offices, you may be the first person a client sees when they bring their pet into the office.
You’ll need to be friendly, calm, and knowledgeable.
You may also explain common procedures to pet owners and give them pamphlets for reference, particularly after surgery or other major procedures.
Many vet office managers have several employees they are responsible for.
You may create work schedules, handle tracking hours and paying employees, and oversee other office staff.
You may even hire new employees, and provide training for new employees.
You’ll need to communicate well with clients as well as the veterinary staff.
You may be responsible for notifying the vet when emergency cases come in and making sure that the client’s concerns are adequately addressed.
Veterinary Assistant Duties
In some offices, you may also assist with veterinary procedures.
This will largely depend on the type of office you work in.
Generally, larger offices will have veterinary assistants.
In smaller offices, you may function as both an office manager and a veterinary assistant to some degree.
You may be responsible for bringing pets and their owners into exam rooms, and ensuring they are comfortable.
You may take vitals, bathe pets, and give them medication.
Restraining pets during procedures can also be a part of the job.
How to Become a Vet Office Manager
There are no educational or certification requirements to become a vet office manager, but previous experience or education can help you land a job.
Most employers will require you to have a high school diploma or GED to be considered for the position, and some require you to have previous experience or education related to the job.
Vet Office Manager Training Programs
A vet office manager training program can give you the skills you need to excel in your career.
These training programs typically focus on two aspects.
The clinical side of veterinary practice and the administrative side.
If you have no experience or education in veterinary practice or management, this is the best option.
Most vet office managers spend most of their time focused on the administrative side of things.
However, if you work in a small practice, you may also need to fulfill some of the duties of a veterinary assistant.
Training programs typically teach you basic veterinary assisting skills, including animal physiology, how to give medications, and how to restrain animals for procedures.
You’ll also learn administrative and management skills.
These may include Microsoft Office, basic bookkeeping and accounting, and organizational skills.
Some programs include certification for Microsoft Word and Quickbooks, so you can prove your knowledge.
Previous Education or Experience
Perhaps you already have experience in administration, management, or veterinary assisting.
This gives you a head start.
If you have previous education or experience in business management or administrative skills, you can consider learning the basics of veterinary assisting through a training program.
On the other hand, if you have worked in a veterinary office as an assistant or you have completed a veterinary assistant training program, consider a training program that teaches you office management skills.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you have never worked in a veterinary office, working as a volunteer can provide invaluable experience.
Many vet offices will allow you to volunteer.
This allows you to learn the skills you’ll need to handle animals and the common procedures in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the demand for vet office managers?
Demand for vet office managers is expected to grow by 16% by 2029.
This is about three times the average job growth rate.
Pets are becoming more popular, and more pet owners are seeking veterinary care for their furry friends.
As the demand for veterinarians continues to grow, supportive positions, like vet office managers, will grow as well.
What skills do I need to be a vet office manager?
To become a vet office manager, you’ll need strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and compassion for animals.
You should also be a confident leader and have good communication skills.
Do people enjoy working as a vet office manager?
If this job seems like a good fit for you, you’ll probably enjoy it.
4 out of 5 vet office managers are highly satisfied with their job, including their job duties and their pay rate.