Vet Tech salary

Bear vs Middletown: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Bear, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bear, DE
$48,716
$23.42/hr
Middletown, DE
$46,969
$22.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBear, DEMiddletown, DE
Median Salary$48,716$46,969
Hourly Rate$23.42$22.58
Entry Level (P10)$38,791$37,017
25th Percentile$40,692$38,954
75th Percentile$56,778$55,406
Top Earner (P90)$59,374$58,545
Total Employed66
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bear ($48,716) and Middletown ($46,969) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BearMiddletownMedian Salary$48,716$46,969Entry Level (P10)$38,791$37,017Top Earner (P90)$59,374$58,545US Median $49,986

Verdict

Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.

The salary gap between Bear and Middletown is $1,747 (3.72%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $20,583,Middletown spans $21,528. Middletown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Bear
P10 (Entry)$38,791
P25$40,692
Median$48,716
P75$56,778
P90 (Top)$59,374
Middletown
P10 (Entry)$37,017
P25$38,954
Median$46,969
P75$55,406
P90 (Top)$58,545

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bear ($47,902 effective) pays 3.72% more than Middletown ($46,184 effective).

Bear
Nominal: $48,716
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $47,902
Middletown
Nominal: $46,969
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $46,184

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bear if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,716/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,374)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,902)
  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Choose Middletown if…

  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Bear grew 18.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Middletown over the same period.

Bear, DE

+18.4%

$38,984 (2024) → $46,176 (2025)

Middletown, DE

+18.4%

$37,586 (2024) → $44,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Bear or Middletown?

Bear has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $48,716/year, compared to Middletown at $46,969/year — a difference of $1,747 (3.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Middletown?

Bear veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.42/hr while Middletown hygienists earn $22.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bear to Middletown as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bear and Middletown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bear = $47,902, Middletown = $46,184), job availability (6 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Bear vs Middletown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,791 in Bear and $37,017 in Middletown. The Bear 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