Vet Tech salary

Corvallis vs Forest Grove: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Corvallis, OR and Forest Grove, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Corvallis, OR
$71,698
$34.48/hr
Forest Grove, OR
$54,596
$26.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCorvallis, ORForest Grove, OR
Median Salary$71,698$54,596
Hourly Rate$34.48$26.25
Entry Level (P10)$51,895$40,962
25th Percentile$63,311$44,031
75th Percentile$83,007$64,897
Top Earner (P90)$83,007$69,360
Total Employed804
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Corvallis ($71,698) and Forest Grove ($54,596) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.CorvallisForest GroveMedian Salary$71,698$54,596Entry Level (P10)$51,895$40,962Top Earner (P90)$83,007$69,360US Median $49,986

Verdict

Corvallis, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.

The salary gap between Corvallis and Forest Grove is $17,102 (31.32%). Corvallis's median is +43.44% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Corvallis spans $31,112,Forest Grove spans $28,398. Corvallis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Corvallis
P10 (Entry)$51,895
P25$63,311
Median$71,698
P75$83,007
P90 (Top)$83,007
Forest Grove
P10 (Entry)$40,962
P25$44,031
Median$54,596
P75$64,897
P90 (Top)$69,360

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Corvallis ($68,929 effective) pays 29.54% more than Forest Grove ($53,212 effective).

Corvallis
Nominal: $71,698
CoL Index: 104.017
Adjusted: $68,929
Forest Grove
Nominal: $54,596
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $53,212

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Corvallis if…

  • Higher median salary ($71,698/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,007)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,929)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Forest Grove if…

  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Corvallis grew 71.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.6% growth in Forest Grove over the same period.

Corvallis, OR

+71.1%

$39,720 (2019) → $67,960 (2025)

Forest Grove, OR

+7.6%

$48,082 (2024) → $51,750 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Corvallis or Forest Grove?

Corvallis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $71,698/year, compared to Forest Grove at $54,596/year — a difference of $17,102 (31.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Corvallis and Forest Grove?

Corvallis veterinary technologist and technicians earn $34.48/hr while Forest Grove hygienists earn $26.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Corvallis to Forest Grove as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Corvallis and Forest Grove. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Corvallis = $68,929, Forest Grove = $53,212), job availability (80 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Corvallis vs Forest Grove?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $51,895 in Corvallis and $40,962 in Forest Grove. The Corvallis 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