Vet Tech salary

Bedford vs Manchester: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Bedford, NH and Manchester, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bedford, NH
$50,516
$24.29/hr
Manchester, NH
$51,516
$24.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBedford, NHManchester, NH
Median Salary$50,516$51,516
Hourly Rate$24.29$24.77
Entry Level (P10)$38,498$37,864
25th Percentile$44,227$41,567
75th Percentile$60,709$59,840
Top Earner (P90)$64,775$61,074
Total Employed6180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bedford ($50,516) and Manchester ($51,516) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BedfordManchesterMedian Salary$50,516$51,516Entry Level (P10)$38,498$37,864Top Earner (P90)$64,775$61,074US Median $49,986

Verdict

Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bedford.

The salary gap between Bedford and Manchester is $1,000 (1.98%). Manchester's median is +3.06% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bedford spans $26,277,Manchester spans $23,210. Bedford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bedford
P10 (Entry)$38,498
P25$44,227
Median$50,516
P75$60,709
P90 (Top)$64,775
Manchester
P10 (Entry)$37,864
P25$41,567
Median$51,516
P75$59,840
P90 (Top)$61,074

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($48,758 effective) pays 3.57% more than Bedford ($47,079 effective).

Bedford
Nominal: $50,516
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $47,079
Manchester
Nominal: $51,516
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $48,758

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bedford if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($64,775)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Manchester if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,516/year)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,758)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Bedford grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Manchester over the same period.

Bedford, NH

+12.8%

$42,445 (2024) → $47,882 (2025)

Manchester, NH

+32.4%

$36,870 (2019) → $48,830 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Bedford or Manchester?

Manchester has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,516/year, compared to Bedford at $50,516/year — a difference of $1,000 (1.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bedford and Manchester?

Bedford veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.29/hr while Manchester hygienists earn $24.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bedford to Manchester as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bedford and Manchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bedford = $47,079, Manchester = $48,758), job availability (6 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Bedford vs Manchester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,498 in Bedford and $37,864 in Manchester. The Bedford 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