Vet Tech salary

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

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

Blacksburg, VA
$54,818
$26.35/hr
Leesburg, VA
$48,768
$23.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBlacksburg, VALeesburg, VA
Median Salary$54,818$48,768
Hourly Rate$26.35$23.44
Entry Level (P10)$36,419$36,965
25th Percentile$47,792$39,992
75th Percentile$66,286$59,047
Top Earner (P90)$69,525$64,185
Total Employed15014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Blacksburg ($54,818) and Leesburg ($48,768) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BlacksburgLeesburgMedian Salary$54,818$48,768Entry Level (P10)$36,419$36,965Top Earner (P90)$69,525$64,185US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Blacksburg and Leesburg is $6,050 (12.41%). 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,Leesburg spans $27,220. 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
Leesburg
P10 (Entry)$36,965
P25$39,992
Median$48,768
P75$59,047
P90 (Top)$64,185

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Blacksburg ($59,128 effective) pays 25.12% more than Leesburg ($47,256 effective).

Blacksburg
Nominal: $54,818
CoL Index: 92.71
Adjusted: $59,128
Leesburg
Nominal: $48,768
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $47,256

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 Leesburg 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 Leesburg over the same period.

Blacksburg, VA

+37.5%

$37,780 (2019) → $51,960 (2025)

Leesburg, VA

+15.7%

$39,966 (2024) → $46,226 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Blacksburg has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $54,818/year, compared to Leesburg at $48,768/year — a difference of $6,050 (12.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Blacksburg and Leesburg?

Blacksburg veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.35/hr while Leesburg hygienists earn $23.44/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Blacksburg and Leesburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Blacksburg = $59,128, Leesburg = $47,256), job availability (150 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,419 in Blacksburg and $36,965 in Leesburg. The Leesburg 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