Vet Tech salary

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

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

Blacksburg, VA
$54,818
$26.35/hr
Lynchburg, VA
$48,562
$23.35/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBlacksburg, VALynchburg, VA
Median Salary$54,818$48,562
Hourly Rate$26.35$23.35
Entry Level (P10)$36,419$32,568
25th Percentile$47,792$32,568
75th Percentile$66,286$52,106
Top Earner (P90)$69,525$64,070
Total Employed15090
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Blacksburg ($54,818) and Lynchburg ($48,562) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BlacksburgLynchburgMedian Salary$54,818$48,562Entry Level (P10)$36,419$32,568Top Earner (P90)$69,525$64,070US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Blacksburg and Lynchburg is $6,256 (12.88%). 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,Lynchburg spans $31,502. 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
Lynchburg
P10 (Entry)$32,568
P25$32,568
Median$48,562
P75$52,106
P90 (Top)$64,070

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Blacksburg ($59,128 effective) pays 8.81% more than Lynchburg ($54,342 effective).

Blacksburg
Nominal: $54,818
CoL Index: 92.71
Adjusted: $59,128
Lynchburg
Nominal: $48,562
CoL Index: 89.363
Adjusted: $54,342

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 Lynchburg 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 47.7% growth in Lynchburg over the same period.

Blacksburg, VA

+37.5%

$37,780 (2019) → $51,960 (2025)

Lynchburg, VA

+47.7%

$31,160 (2019) → $46,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Blacksburg has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $54,818/year, compared to Lynchburg at $48,562/year — a difference of $6,256 (12.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Blacksburg and Lynchburg?

Blacksburg veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.35/hr while Lynchburg hygienists earn $23.35/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Blacksburg and Lynchburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Blacksburg = $59,128, Lynchburg = $54,342), job availability (150 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,419 in Blacksburg and $32,568 in Lynchburg. The Blacksburg 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