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Veterinary Surgery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Surgery Assistant

Indianapolis, IN ยท On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Job Summary The Surgical Veterinary Technician / Surgical Veterinary Assistant is responsible for supporting high-volume, high-quality surgical operations through patient preparation, anesthesia ...

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Veterinary Surgery information

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How much do veterinary surgery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary surgery 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 is veterinary surgery?

Veterinary surgery is a specialized branch of veterinary medicine that involves performing surgical procedures on animals to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities. Veterinary surgeons may operate on a variety of animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife. Common procedures include spaying or neutering, removing tumors, repairing broken bones, and addressing internal organ issues. These professionals use anesthesia and advanced surgical techniques to ensure animal safety and recovery. Veterinary surgeons often work in animal hospitals, clinics, or specialized surgery centers.

What is the difference between Veterinary Surgery vs Veterinary Medicine?

AspectVeterinary SurgeryVeterinary Medicine
Required CredentialsVeterinary Degree, Surgical CertificationVeterinary Degree, General Practice Certification
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, surgical suites, clinicsConsultation rooms, clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary clinics, specialty surgical centersGeneral veterinary practices, animal hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on surgical procedures and skillsBroader animal health care and diagnosis

Veterinary Surgery specializes in performing surgical procedures on animals, requiring specific surgical certifications and working primarily in operating rooms. Veterinary Medicine covers a broader scope of animal health, including diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care, often in general practice settings. While both roles require a veterinary degree, Veterinary Surgery is more focused on surgical expertise, whereas Veterinary Medicine encompasses overall animal health management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Veterinary Surgery, and why are they important?

To thrive in Veterinary Surgery, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, surgical training, and often board certification in veterinary surgery. Proficiency with surgical instruments, anesthesia machines, and specialized veterinary software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring patient safety, effective procedures, and successful outcomes in animal healthcare.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in veterinary surgery, and how can they be managed?

Veterinary surgeons often encounter challenges such as managing complex cases with limited patient communication, working long or irregular hours (especially during emergencies), and staying current with advances in surgical techniques. Effective communication with pet owners and the veterinary team is crucial for successful outcomes. Many professionals find support through mentorship, continuing education, and collaboration with colleagues, which helps them stay updated and manage stress in this demanding but rewarding field.
What states have the most Veterinary Surgery jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Surgery jobs include:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Surgery job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Veterinary Technician/Surgery/Anesthesia-Annapolis

Veterinary Technician/Surgery/Anesthesia-Annapolis

Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists

Annapolis, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Veterinary Anesthesia/Surgery Technician



    Are you an experienced or Registered Veterinary Technician with a passion for surgery?


    Do you want to learn from board-certified Surgeons, expanding your knowledge while enhancing your skill set?


    Do you aim for perfection and enjoy ensuring surgery goes off without a hitch?


    Look no further, asChesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists (CVSS)located in Annapolis, MD has THE opportunity for you!


    * If you recently graduated from an AVMA accredited program and are ready to take your VTNE - ask us about reimbursement! *



    About Us:

    Founded in 1992, CVSS was the FIRST veterinary hospital with board-certified surgeons (in fact, the first TWO board-certified surgeons in the state of Maryland).


    The medical staff of Chesapeake Veterinary Surgical Specialists is composed of nine staff surgeons, four surgical residents, surgical interns, Registered Veterinary Technicians, technician assistants, and ICU technicians. All of our staff surgeons are boarded or board-eligible by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.


    We share a 28,000 sq. ft. facility with veterinary internists, cardiologists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, neurologists, rehabilitation therapists, and a 24-hour emergency clinic. Our direct access to a multitude of other veterinary specialists in both of our locations means that we are able to offer cross-specialty care for the most complex cases.


    What to Expect:

    • Great Learning Opportunities: You will be working alongside board-certified surgeons, surgical interns & residents, and incredibly talented, tenured RVTs. Questions will be asked, discussion will be taking place with detailed explanations and unique cases. You will have the opportunity to take it all in.
    • Advanced Medicine:We are one of the Mid-Atlantic region's most experienced and advanced teams. By partnering with primary care veterinarians, we are able to provide our patients with the very best surgical care. Variety of surgeries include advanced soft-tissue, orthopedic, oncologic, neurologic, emergency, and cardio/thoracic.
    • Recognition:At CVSS, we love to celebrate each other. Our team nominates peers to receive a "good job reward" when they witness exceptional work. It's a great feeling to know thatyou are valuedfor who you are and each unique experience you bring to the team.


    About You:

    • You are a Veterinary Technician (preferably registered) with 2+ years of experience in surgery/anesthesia that is dedicated to outstanding client service and excellent patient care.
    • You understand the importance of maintaining a positive, respectful, uplifting hospital culture and genuinely love working with people who share that same value.
    • You're not afraid to jump in and get your feet wet! Adiligent worker who takes initiative and contributes to the operation of the entire hospital, you will help get all the day's duties done!
    • You are eager to continue enhancing your skill set andenjoy learning & collaborating with a team.
    • If you are not an RVT, you must have a strong foundational understanding and be able to perform the responsibilities of a surgical veterinary technician, including (but not limited to):
      • Venipuncture
      • Placing IV Catheters
      • Prepping patients for surgery
      • Calculating drugs, CRI's, & fluid rates
      • Monitoring and recovering anesthesia patients
      • Scrubbing in for soft-tissue and orthopedic surgeries
      • Cleaning/wrapping/sterilizing surgical instruments
      • Administration of Medications (IV or other methods)


    Anticipated Schedule:

    • Schedule provided 4-6 weeks in advance
    • Four 10-hour shifts between M-F (anytime between 7a-7p)
    • Weekend on-call every 6-8 weeks (3-month advance notice)


    Compensation:

    • Range: $28-$42, depending on experience and skillset


    Benefits:

    • Paid License Renewal Fees
    • CE Allowance
    • Paid CE Days
    • Uniform Allowance
    • Employee Referral Bonus

    Semi-Annual Bonus Opportunities
    Paid Time Off

    • Personal/Sick Time Off
    • Employee Pet Discount
    • Tuition Assistance
    • 401k (matching)
    • Medical/Dental/Vision
    • Disability Insurance
    • FSA


    *Signing Bonus*


    For more information about our hospital, please visithttps://cvssvets.com.


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