Vet Tech salary

Corvallis vs Pendleton: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Corvallis, OR
$71,698
$34.48/hr
Pendleton, OR
$53,720
$25.83/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCorvallis, ORPendleton, OR
Median Salary$71,698$53,720
Hourly Rate$34.48$25.83
Entry Level (P10)$51,895$42,945
25th Percentile$63,311$45,037
75th Percentile$83,007$63,864
Top Earner (P90)$83,007$65,723
Total Employed805
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Corvallis ($71,698) and Pendleton ($53,720) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.CorvallisPendletonMedian Salary$71,698$53,720Entry Level (P10)$51,895$42,945Top Earner (P90)$83,007$65,723US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Corvallis and Pendleton is $17,978 (33.47%). 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,Pendleton spans $22,778. 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
Pendleton
P10 (Entry)$42,945
P25$45,037
Median$53,720
P75$63,864
P90 (Top)$65,723

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Corvallis ($68,929 effective) pays 31.65% more than Pendleton ($52,359 effective).

Corvallis
Nominal: $71,698
CoL Index: 104.017
Adjusted: $68,929
Pendleton
Nominal: $53,720
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $52,359

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 Pendleton 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 Pendleton over the same period.

Corvallis, OR

+71.1%

$39,720 (2019) → $67,960 (2025)

Pendleton, OR

+7.6%

$47,310 (2024) → $50,919 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Corvallis has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $71,698/year, compared to Pendleton at $53,720/year — a difference of $17,978 (33.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Corvallis and Pendleton?

Corvallis veterinary technologist and technicians earn $34.48/hr while Pendleton hygienists earn $25.83/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Corvallis and Pendleton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Corvallis = $68,929, Pendleton = $52,359), job availability (80 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $51,895 in Corvallis and $42,945 in Pendleton. 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