Vet Tech salary

Blacksburg vs Fredericksburg: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Blacksburg, VA and Fredericksburg, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Blacksburg, VA
$54,818
$26.35/hr
Fredericksburg, VA
$49,037
$23.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBlacksburg, VAFredericksburg, VA
Median Salary$54,818$49,037
Hourly Rate$26.35$23.58
Entry Level (P10)$36,419$36,559
25th Percentile$47,792$42,364
75th Percentile$66,286$59,963
Top Earner (P90)$69,525$65,046
Total Employed1507
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Blacksburg ($54,818) and Fredericksburg ($49,037) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BlacksburgFredericksburgMedian Salary$54,818$49,037Entry Level (P10)$36,419$36,559Top Earner (P90)$69,525$65,046US Median $49,986

Verdict

Blacksburg, VA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fredericksburg.

The salary gap between Blacksburg and Fredericksburg is $5,781 (11.79%). Blacksburg's median is +9.67% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Blacksburg spans $33,106,Fredericksburg spans $28,487. Blacksburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Blacksburg
P10 (Entry)$36,419
P25$47,792
Median$54,818
P75$66,286
P90 (Top)$69,525
Fredericksburg
P10 (Entry)$36,559
P25$42,364
Median$49,037
P75$59,963
P90 (Top)$65,046

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Blacksburg ($59,128 effective) pays 24.44% more than Fredericksburg ($47,516 effective).

Blacksburg
Nominal: $54,818
CoL Index: 92.71
Adjusted: $59,128
Fredericksburg
Nominal: $49,037
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $47,516

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Blacksburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($54,818/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($69,525)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,128)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Fredericksburg if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Blacksburg grew 37.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Fredericksburg over the same period.

Blacksburg, VA

+37.5%

$37,780 (2019) → $51,960 (2025)

Fredericksburg, VA

+15.7%

$40,187 (2024) → $46,481 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Blacksburg or Fredericksburg?

Blacksburg has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $54,818/year, compared to Fredericksburg at $49,037/year — a difference of $5,781 (11.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Blacksburg and Fredericksburg?

Blacksburg veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.35/hr while Fredericksburg hygienists earn $23.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Blacksburg to Fredericksburg as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Blacksburg and Fredericksburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Blacksburg = $59,128, Fredericksburg = $47,516), job availability (150 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Blacksburg vs Fredericksburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,419 in Blacksburg and $36,559 in Fredericksburg. The Fredericksburg 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