Vet Tech salary

Arecibo vs San Juan: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Arecibo, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Arecibo, PR
$26,175
$12.59/hr
San Juan, PR
$29,698
$14.27/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricArecibo, PRSan Juan, PR
Median Salary$26,175$29,698
Hourly Rate$12.59$14.27
Entry Level (P10)$23,041$24,582
25th Percentile$26,175$27,208
75th Percentile$28,896$42,021
Top Earner (P90)$46,705$54,565
Total Employed40350
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Arecibo ($26,175) and San Juan ($29,698) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.AreciboSan JuanMedian Salary$26,175$29,698Entry Level (P10)$23,041$24,582Top Earner (P90)$46,705$54,565US Median $49,986

Verdict

San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arecibo.

The salary gap between Arecibo and San Juan is $3,523 (13.46%). San Juan's median is -40.59% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arecibo spans $23,664,San Juan spans $29,983. San Juan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Arecibo
P10 (Entry)$23,041
P25$26,175
Median$26,175
P75$28,896
P90 (Top)$46,705
San Juan
P10 (Entry)$24,582
P25$27,208
Median$29,698
P75$42,021
P90 (Top)$54,565

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Arecibo if…

  • You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle

Choose San Juan if…

  • Higher median salary ($29,698/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($54,565)
  • Larger job market (350 employed)
  • You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Arecibo grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.9% growth in San Juan over the same period.

Arecibo, PR

+3.8%

$23,900 (2024) → $24,810 (2025)

San Juan, PR

+47.9%

$19,030 (2019) → $28,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Arecibo or San Juan?

San Juan has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $29,698/year, compared to Arecibo at $26,175/year — a difference of $3,523 (13.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Arecibo and San Juan?

Arecibo veterinary technologist and technicians earn $12.59/hr while San Juan hygienists earn $14.27/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Arecibo to San Juan as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Arecibo and San Juan. Factor in cost of living, job availability (40 vs 350 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Arecibo vs San Juan?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23,041 in Arecibo and $24,582 in San Juan. The San Juan area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov