Vet Tech salary

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

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

Boston, MA
$53,773
$25.85/hr
Waltham, MA
$49,621
$23.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAWaltham, MA
Median Salary$53,773$49,621
Hourly Rate$25.85$23.85
Entry Level (P10)$41,462$38,209
25th Percentile$51,094$40,986
75th Percentile$64,176$61,460
Top Earner (P90)$74,451$65,799
Total Employed2,97011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($53,773) and Waltham ($49,621) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.BostonWalthamMedian Salary$53,773$49,621Entry Level (P10)$41,462$38,209Top Earner (P90)$74,451$65,799US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Boston and Waltham is $4,152 (8.37%). 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,Waltham spans $27,590. 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
Waltham
P10 (Entry)$38,209
P25$40,986
Median$49,621
P75$61,460
P90 (Top)$65,799

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($49,667 effective) pays 8.60% more than Waltham ($45,734 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $53,773
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $49,667
Waltham
Nominal: $49,621
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $45,734

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 Waltham 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 Waltham over the same period.

Boston, MA

+20.4%

$42,320 (2019) → $50,970 (2025)

Waltham, MA

+-10.9%

$52,790 (2024) → $47,034 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boston has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $53,773/year, compared to Waltham at $49,621/year — a difference of $4,152 (8.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Waltham?

Boston veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.85/hr while Waltham hygienists earn $23.85/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Waltham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $49,667, Waltham = $45,734), job availability (2,970 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,462 in Boston and $38,209 in Waltham. 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