Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians at Great Bay Community College

Great Bay's vet tech program starts slightly above both national and New Hampshire medians—earning $36,672 in the first year puts graduates near the 60th percentile statewide. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers less reliable, and the earnings trajectory tells a worrying story: incomes actually drop 9% by year four, falling to $33,274. This backward slide is unusual and worth investigating—it could reflect high burnout in the field, graduates leaving veterinary work, or simply the noise that comes with tracking so few people.

The $18,000 debt load is manageable at roughly half of first-year earnings, which is a reasonable starting point for an associate degree. That said, the debt becomes harder to justify if earnings continue declining rather than growing. Veterinary technician work is notoriously demanding with modest pay, and these numbers suggest the financial reality may get tougher rather than easier in the years after graduation.

For families considering this path, the key question is staying power: can your child see themselves committed to veterinary care long-term, even as the physical and emotional demands take their toll? The initial earnings are decent for New Hampshire, but don't count on significant raises. This works best for someone passionate about animal care who understands they're choosing a calling over a career ladder.