Veterinary Technology at San Juan College

Farmington, NM · Public · Associate Degree · Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians

a compact campus enrolling 4,228 students in Farmington, NM.

Program Analysis

At $43,730 per year, Veterinary Technology graduates from San Juan College significantly outpace the $32,474 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 132.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Veterinary Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $14,675 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Among 169 Veterinary Technology programs nationally, San Juan College ranks #2 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The limited growth from $43,730 to $46,879 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

Veterinary Technology has a registered apprenticeship option through Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist) with a median wage of $37,320/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.

69 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
64
Low End
69
Score
69
High End
Earnings $43,730/yr (35% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (71% shielded)
Job Market Large (63,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$473K
1.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
132.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,580
Out-of-state: $9,970
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,675
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,879
7% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Veterinary Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Veterinary technologists and technicians $45,980 +9.1% 84%
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers $37,320 +8.7% 78%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Veterinary technologists and technicians
$45,980
+9.1% growth 84% AI-proof
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320
+8.7% growth 78% AI-proof

Veterinary Technology Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Veterinary Technology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering agriculture & natural resources.

Read the full Veterinary Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Veterinary Technology Overview

Veterinary Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Juan College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Veterinary Technology at San Juan College?
At 69/100, San Juan College's Veterinary Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
What makes San Juan College's Veterinary Technology program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 169 programs nationally, San Juan College lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Will Veterinary Technology graduates from San Juan College find jobs?
The large job market (63,900 annual openings) works in favor of Veterinary Technology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →