How much does a Kennel Technician make?
Kennel Technicians play a vital role in animal care. They often work in settings like veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and kennels. The average yearly salary for this job is around $32,295. This means most people in this role can expect to earn between $20,000 and $52,500 each year. The majority of technicians, about 50%, earn between $23,000 and $35,000.
The salary range shows how much demand and experience affect earning potential. Those with more experience or specialized skills can earn more. For instance, those with over 10 years in the field might see salaries up to $52,500. This role offers a good starting point for those entering the animal care field, with plenty of opportunities for growth.
What are the highest paying cities for a Kennel Technician?

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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $55,282
In New Haven, professionals can expect a rewarding environment when working in animal care. Local clinics like New Haven Veterinary Hospital offer opportunities to work with experienced vets. This role includes caring for animals in their care and assisting with medical procedures.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $53,843
Seattle offers a vibrant setting for animal care specialists. Employers such as Banfield Pet Hospital provide excellent training and support. Working here means ensuring pets receive top-notch care while interacting with a community that loves animals.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $50,042
In Sacramento, working as an animal care specialist offers a mix of city life and outdoor beauty. Places like VCA Animal Hospitals give employees the chance to work with various animals. This role focuses on providing comfort and care to pets while supporting veterinarians.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $49,396
San Francisco provides a unique atmosphere for those in animal care. Here, employees at places like The Animal Medical Center work closely with a diverse clientele. This job involves daily interactions with animals and helping them feel at ease.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $47,635
Philadelphia offers a dynamic environment for animal care professionals. At places like Penn Vet, workers support veterinarians and ensure animals are well cared for. This role involves hands-on care and helping pets in a historic city.
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Rochester, MN
Average Salary: $46,329
In Rochester, working in animal care means being part of a community that values pets. Local clinics like Mayo Clinic Veterinary Services offer a supportive environment. This job includes caring for animals and assisting with medical treatments.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $46,297
Boston provides a rich backdrop for those in animal care. At places like Angell Animal Medical Center, employees work with a variety of animals. This role focuses on providing care and support to pets in a historic and vibrant city.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $44,694
Working in Washington, DC, offers a unique experience for animal care specialists. At places like PAWS DC, employees support veterinarians and care for animals. This role involves daily interactions with pets and helping them feel comfortable.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $42,342
San Diego offers a beautiful setting for animal care professionals. At places like PetSmart Charities, employees work in a supportive environment. This role focuses on providing care to animals while enjoying the sunny, coastal climate.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $40,049
In Boulder, working in animal care means being part of a community that values pets. Local clinics like Boulder Veterinary Specialists offer a great environment. This role includes caring for animals and assisting with medical procedures in a picturesque setting.
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What are the best companies a Kennel Technician can work for?

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Regeneron
Average Salary: $54,525
Regeneron offers Kennel Technician jobs with a competitive salary. They operate research facilities and animal care centers in the U.S. and globally. Their team cares for animals used in medical research, ensuring they are healthy and well-treated.
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Weill Cornell Medicine
Average Salary: $47,632
Weill Cornell Medicine provides a stable environment for Kennel Technicians, offering a solid salary. This institution, located in New York City, focuses on medical research and patient care. Technicians here ensure animals are safe and comfortable, supporting critical health research.
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Mayo Clinic
Average Salary: $46,311
Mayo Clinic pays well for Kennel Technicians, with an average salary of $46,311. Based in Minnesota, this clinic is known for its high-quality medical care. Technicians care for animals used in research, maintaining their health and well-being to support scientific discoveries.
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Charles River Laboratories
Average Salary: $43,436
Charles River Laboratories offers Kennel Technician jobs with an average salary of $43,436. They operate in many locations worldwide, providing animals for research. Technicians here ensure animals are healthy and well-cared for, supporting research in various fields.
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Actalent
Average Salary: $42,164
Actalent offers Kennel Technician positions with a salary of $42,164. They work with many companies to provide staffing solutions. Technicians ensure animals used in research are healthy and cared for, supporting critical medical research.
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Average Salary: $41,679
The University of Wisconsin-Madison pays Kennel Technicians an average of $41,679. Located in Madison, Wisconsin, this university is known for its research and education. Technicians here care for animals used in scientific studies, ensuring they are healthy and comfortable.
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Taconic Biosciences
Average Salary: $41,127
Taconic Biosciences offers Kennel Technician jobs with a salary of $41,127. They operate in multiple locations in the U.S. and Europe. Technicians ensure animals used in research are healthy and well-cared for, supporting important medical studies.
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Christensen Farms
Average Salary: $40,000
Christensen Farms offers Kennel Technician positions with a salary of $40,000. They are located in Minnesota and are known for their quality animal care. Technicians ensure animals are healthy and comfortable, supporting various research needs.
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Seventh Wave Laboratories LLC “An Inotiv Company”
Average Salary: $38,790
Seventh Wave Laboratories LLC, an Inotiv Company, pays Kennel Technicians $38,790. They focus on research and development, with locations in the U.S. Technicians here ensure animals are healthy and well-cared for, supporting important scientific research.
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Pima County
Average Salary: $37,439
Pima County offers Kennel Technician jobs with a salary of $37,439. They operate in Tucson, Arizona, providing animal care for various programs. Technicians ensure animals are healthy and well-cared for, supporting community and research needs.
How to earn more as a Kennel Technician?
To increase earnings as a Kennel Technician, focus on enhancing skills and knowledge in animal care. Specializing in certain areas, like grooming or medical procedures, can lead to higher pay. Employers value technicians who can perform a variety of tasks efficiently. Attending workshops and obtaining certifications in specialized fields can boost earning potential.
Experience and dedication also play a significant role. Gaining more years of experience in the field increases credibility and value. Building a reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable technician can lead to better job offers and higher salaries. Networking with other professionals and seeking mentorship can provide insights into higher-paying opportunities.
Here are five key factors to consider:
- Specialized Skills: Learn and master skills such as grooming, administering medications, or handling specific animal breeds.
- Continuing Education: Attend workshops and obtain certifications to stay updated with the latest in animal care.
- Experience: Gain more experience to increase your value and reliability in the field.
- Networking: Connect with other professionals to learn about higher-paying job opportunities.
- Reputation: Build a strong reputation by providing excellent care and service to animals.



