Vet Tech salary

Boston vs Holyoke: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Boston, MA and Holyoke, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$53,773
$25.85/hr
Holyoke, MA
$49,814
$23.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAHolyoke, MA
Median Salary$53,773$49,814
Hourly Rate$25.85$23.95
Entry Level (P10)$41,462$37,421
25th Percentile$51,094$40,208
75th Percentile$64,176$61,115
Top Earner (P90)$74,451$66,408
Total Employed2,9707
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($53,773) and Holyoke ($49,814) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BostonHolyokeMedian Salary$53,773$49,814Entry Level (P10)$41,462$37,421Top Earner (P90)$74,451$66,408US Median $49,986

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Holyoke.

The salary gap between Boston and Holyoke is $3,959 (7.95%). Boston's median is +7.58% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $32,989,Holyoke spans $28,987. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$41,462
P25$51,094
Median$53,773
P75$64,176
P90 (Top)$74,451
Holyoke
P10 (Entry)$37,421
P25$40,208
Median$49,814
P75$61,115
P90 (Top)$66,408

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($49,667 effective) pays 8.18% more than Holyoke ($45,912 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $53,773
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $49,667
Holyoke
Nominal: $49,814
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $45,912

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,773/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($74,451)
  • Larger job market (2,970 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,667)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Holyoke if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Boston grew 20.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.9% growth in Holyoke over the same period.

Boston, MA

+20.4%

$42,320 (2019) → $50,970 (2025)

Holyoke, MA

+-10.9%

$52,995 (2024) → $47,217 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Boston or Holyoke?

Boston has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $53,773/year, compared to Holyoke at $49,814/year — a difference of $3,959 (7.95%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Holyoke?

Boston veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.85/hr while Holyoke hygienists earn $23.95/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Holyoke as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Holyoke. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $49,667, Holyoke = $45,912), job availability (2,970 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Boston vs Holyoke?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,462 in Boston and $37,421 in Holyoke. The Boston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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