Bristol vs Virginia Beach: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Bristol, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,822 | $51,030▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.55 | $24.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,960 | $37,442▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,635 | $48,709▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,375 | $61,981▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,463 | $66,560▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Virginia Beach is $6,208 (13.85%). Virginia Beach's median is +2.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $20,503,Virginia Beach spans $29,118. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($52,103 effective) pays 19.96% more than Bristol ($43,432 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,030/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,560)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,103)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Bristol grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$39,696 (2024) → $42,485 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$33,350 (2019) → $48,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Bristol or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Virginia Beach as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Bristol vs Virginia Beach?
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.
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