Vet Tech salary

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

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

Boston, MA
$53,773
$25.85/hr
Lowell, MA
$51,135
$24.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MALowell, MA
Median Salary$53,773$51,135
Hourly Rate$25.85$24.58
Entry Level (P10)$41,462$39,398
25th Percentile$51,094$42,423
75th Percentile$64,176$63,529
Top Earner (P90)$74,451$70,064
Total Employed2,97029
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($53,773) and Lowell ($51,135) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BostonLowellMedian Salary$53,773$51,135Entry Level (P10)$41,462$39,398Top Earner (P90)$74,451$70,064US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Boston and Lowell is $2,638 (5.16%). 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,Lowell spans $30,666. 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
Lowell
P10 (Entry)$39,398
P25$42,423
Median$51,135
P75$63,529
P90 (Top)$70,064

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($49,667 effective) pays 5.39% more than Lowell ($47,129 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $53,773
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $49,667
Lowell
Nominal: $51,135
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $47,129

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 Lowell 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 Lowell over the same period.

Boston, MA

+20.4%

$42,320 (2019) → $50,970 (2025)

Lowell, MA

+-10.9%

$54,400 (2024) → $48,469 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $53,773/year, compared to Lowell at $51,135/year — a difference of $2,638 (5.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Lowell?

Boston veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.85/hr while Lowell hygienists earn $24.58/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Lowell. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $49,667, Lowell = $47,129), job availability (2,970 vs 29 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,462 in Boston and $39,398 in Lowell. 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