Vet Tech salary

Baltimore vs Laurel: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Baltimore, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$49,216
$23.66/hr
Laurel, MD
$51,900
$24.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDLaurel, MD
Median Salary$49,216$51,900
Hourly Rate$23.66$24.95
Entry Level (P10)$39,731$40,891
25th Percentile$45,882$43,298
75th Percentile$62,023$63,169
Top Earner (P90)$78,555$68,101
Total Employed1,1606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($49,216) and Laurel ($51,900) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BaltimoreLaurelMedian Salary$49,216$51,900Entry Level (P10)$39,731$40,891Top Earner (P90)$78,555$68,101US Median $49,986

Verdict

Baltimore and Laurel are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Laurel is $2,684 (5.45%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $38,824,Laurel spans $27,210. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$39,731
P25$45,882
Median$49,216
P75$62,023
P90 (Top)$78,555
Laurel
P10 (Entry)$40,891
P25$43,298
Median$51,900
P75$63,169
P90 (Top)$68,101

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Laurel ($47,484 effective) pays 0.81% more than Baltimore ($47,103 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $49,216
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $47,103
Laurel
Nominal: $51,900
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $47,484

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($78,555)
  • Larger job market (1,160 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Laurel if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,900/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,484)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Baltimore grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Laurel over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+33.6%

$34,910 (2019) → $46,650 (2025)

Laurel, MD

+7.7%

$45,685 (2024) → $49,194 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Baltimore or Laurel?

Laurel has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,900/year, compared to Baltimore at $49,216/year — a difference of $2,684 (5.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Laurel?

Baltimore veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.66/hr while Laurel hygienists earn $24.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Laurel as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Laurel. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $47,103, Laurel = $47,484), job availability (1,160 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Baltimore vs Laurel?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,731 in Baltimore and $40,891 in Laurel. The Laurel area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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