Vet Tech salary

Central Point vs Salem: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Central Point, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Central Point, OR
$53,008
$25.49/hr
Salem, OR
$52,022
$25.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCentral Point, ORSalem, OR
Median Salary$53,008$52,022
Hourly Rate$25.49$25.01
Entry Level (P10)$41,214$33,095
25th Percentile$43,554$50,091
75th Percentile$62,146$60,736
Top Earner (P90)$65,452$65,326
Total Employed690
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Central Point ($53,008) and Salem ($52,022) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Central PointSalemMedian Salary$53,008$52,022Entry Level (P10)$41,214$33,095Top Earner (P90)$65,452$65,326US Median $49,986

Verdict

Central Point, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.

The salary gap between Central Point and Salem is $986 (1.90%). Central Point's median is +6.05% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Point spans $24,238,Salem spans $32,231. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Central Point
P10 (Entry)$41,214
P25$43,554
Median$53,008
P75$62,146
P90 (Top)$65,452
Salem
P10 (Entry)$33,095
P25$50,091
Median$52,022
P75$60,736
P90 (Top)$65,326

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Central Point ($51,665 effective) pays 2.94% more than Salem ($50,191 effective).

Central Point
Nominal: $53,008
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $51,665
Salem
Nominal: $52,022
CoL Index: 103.649
Adjusted: $50,191

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Central Point if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,008/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,452)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,665)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Salem if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Central Point grew 7.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Salem over the same period.

Central Point, OR

+7.6%

$46,684 (2024) → $50,245 (2025)

Salem, OR

+45.0%

$34,010 (2019) → $49,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Central Point or Salem?

Central Point has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $53,008/year, compared to Salem at $52,022/year — a difference of $986 (1.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Central Point and Salem?

Central Point veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.49/hr while Salem hygienists earn $25.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Central Point to Salem as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Central Point and Salem. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Central Point = $51,665, Salem = $50,191), job availability (6 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Central Point vs Salem?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,214 in Central Point and $33,095 in Salem. The Central Point 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