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Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 566 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 26% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Restrain animals during exams or procedures.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Surgical Technologists

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    +35% pay437 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 35% more—$81,776 vs your $60,660 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Problem Sensitivity

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Nurse Anesthetists

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    +444% pay88 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 444% more—$330,017 vs your $60,660 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Biology
    • Near Vision
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Psychology
    • Physics
    • Education and Training
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Physician Assistants

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    +173% pay1,935 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 173% more—$165,381 vs your $60,660 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a master's degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Biology
    • Near Vision
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Psychology
    • Therapy and Counseling
    • Sociology and Anthropology
    • English Language
    • Written Expression
  • Surgical Assistants

    Similar work
    +2% pay44 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 2% more—$61,754 vs your $60,660 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Near Vision
    • Oral Expression
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Finger Dexterity
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    • Visual Color Discrimination
  • Veterinarians

    Similar work
    +123% pay105 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 123% more—$135,519 vs your $60,660 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a doctoral or professional degree.

    Getting ready typically takes more than four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Medicine and Dentistry
    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Biology
    • Near Vision
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Active Learning
    • Science
    • Personnel and Human Resources
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Judgment and Decision Making