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How much do veterinary operating room technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary operating room technician in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Veterinary Operating Room Technicians during surgical procedures?

Veterinary Operating Room Technicians often face challenges such as maintaining strict aseptic technique while managing multiple tasks, anticipating the needs of the surgeon, and responding quickly to unexpected changes in a patient's condition during surgery. The fast-paced environment requires strong attention to detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, effective communication with veterinarians and the surgical team is essential to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes.

What are Veterinary Operating Room Technicians?

Veterinary Operating Room Technicians are specialized veterinary professionals who assist veterinarians during surgical procedures on animals. They are responsible for preparing the operating room, sterilizing surgical instruments, monitoring anesthesia, and supporting the surgical team throughout operations. Their role is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of animal patients during surgeries. In addition to assisting during procedures, they may also help with post-operative care and maintaining surgical records.

What is the difference between Veterinary Operating Room Technician vs Veterinary Surgical Technician?

AspectVeterinary Operating Room TechnicianVeterinary Surgical Technician
CertificationsTypically requires CVT or RVT certificationOften holds CVT or RVT certification, with additional surgical training
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in surgical suites assisting during proceduresAssists in surgeries, prepares instruments, and supports surgical teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in veterinary hospitals, clinics, and specialty surgical centersCommonly employed in veterinary hospitals and surgical practices

The Veterinary Operating Room Technician and Veterinary Surgical Technician roles are closely related, both requiring similar certifications and working in surgical environments. The main difference lies in terminology and specific job duties, with both supporting veterinary surgeries and patient care in clinical settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Operating Room Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Operating Room Technician, you need a solid understanding of animal anatomy, surgical procedures, and aseptic techniques, usually supported by a veterinary technician degree and relevant certification (such as RVT or LVT). Familiarity with anesthesia machines, surgical instruments, and patient monitoring systems is essential for this role. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring patient safety, supporting veterinarians effectively, and maintaining high standards during surgical procedures.
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What cities are hiring for Veterinary Operating Room Technician jobs? Cities with the most Veterinary Operating Room Technician job openings:
What states have the most Veterinary Operating Room Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Operating Room Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Operating Room Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Operating Room Technician jobs are:
Veterinary Operating Room Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Operating Room Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Veterinary Operating Room Technician

Veterinary Operating Room Technician

University of Pennsylvania

Ryan, OK

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Veterinary Operating Room Technician

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Technician, Operating Room C

Job Description Summary

Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking dedicated and collaborative Veterinary Operating Room Technicians to join our Surgery Service. This role is an integral member of a highly specialized surgical team supporting faculty surgeons, residents, interns, and veterinary students in a world-class academic teaching hospital.

Job Description

Join the Penn Vet Surgery Team
Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania is seeking dedicated and collaborative Veterinary Operating Room Technicians to join our Surgery Service. This role is an integral member of a highly specialized surgical team supporting faculty surgeons, residents, interns, and veterinary students in a world-class academic teaching hospital.
Our technicians play a critical role in delivering exceptional patient care while contributing to the education of future veterinary professionals. Surgical procedures range from routine and elective surgeries to complex emergency, reconstructive, transplant, minimally invasive, and advanced specialty procedures.
What You'll Do
As a Veterinary Operating Room Technician, you will support all aspects of surgical patient care and operating room management, including:
  • Preparing operating rooms, equipment, instruments, and supplies for surgical procedures
  • Maintaining and enforcing sterile and aseptic technique throughout all surgical procedures
  • Serving as a circulating nurse and/or scrub nurse during surgery
  • Performing patient skin preparation and positioning for surgery
  • Performing surgical case setup and breakdown, including instrument processing and sterilization
  • Operating and troubleshooting surgical and monitoring equipment
  • Obtaining diagnostic radiographs using mobile imaging equipment as needed
  • Supporting infection control practices and maintaining a clean, organized surgical environment
  • Collaborating closely with surgeons, residents, interns, students, and nursing colleagues to ensure outstanding patient outcomes
  • Assisting in the instruction and mentorship of veterinary students, interns, and residents in surgical nursing principles and techniques
What We're Looking For
Successful candidates thrive in a fast-paced clinical environment and demonstrate strong critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. We value team members who are eager to learn, adaptable, and committed to advancing patient care and veterinary education.
Required Qualifications
  • Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program or equivalent education and experience
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a busy specialty hospital environment
  • Strong communication, multitasking, and time-management skills
Credentialing Requirements by Level
Veterinary Technician OR Level A
  • 0-1 years of veterinary or surgical nursing experience
  • Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) within six months of hire
Veterinary Technician OR Level B
  • 1-2 years of surgical nursing experience
  • Current CVT credential required
Veterinary Technician OR Level C
  • 3-4 years of surgical nursing experience
  • Current CVT credential required
Veterinary Technician OR Level D
  • 5+ years of advanced surgical nursing experience
  • Current CVT credential required
Schedule
  • Full-time position
  • Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Participation in a mandatory on-call rotation is required
Compensation & Benefits
We are hiring at all technician levels for this opportunity. Compensation is commensurate with experience, credentials, skills, and level placement.
  • Entry-level positions begin at$20.00/hour, with higher minimum rates available for experienced technicians
  • Eligible for a$1,000 sign-on incentive
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, tuition benefits, and paid time off
For additional information regarding the sign-on incentive, please contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist, shieldsa@upenn.edu
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to frequently stand and walk for extended periods throughout a shift
  • Ability to lift, carry, and restrain animals weighing up to 50 pounds independently and larger patients with team assistance
  • Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and perform repetitive movements associated with surgical nursing duties
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment while maintaining attention to detail and patient safety
Join Penn Vet's Surgery Service and become part of a team dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine through exceptional patient care, innovation, and education.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$22.75 - $36.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin(including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefitsto protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

  • Retirement:Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

  • Time Away from Work:Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance:In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

  • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

  • Professional and Personal Development:Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

  • University Resources:As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

  • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

  • Flexible Work Hours:Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

  • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

  • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740

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