Vet Tech salary

Cranston vs Providence: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Cranston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cranston, RI
$49,139
$23.62/hr
Providence, RI
$48,699
$23.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCranston, RIProvidence, RI
Median Salary$49,139$48,699
Hourly Rate$23.62$23.41
Entry Level (P10)$38,240$39,615
25th Percentile$40,890$40,259
75th Percentile$61,241$63,733
Top Earner (P90)$67,330$67,087
Total Employed12730
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cranston ($49,139) and Providence ($48,699) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.CranstonProvidenceMedian Salary$49,139$48,699Entry Level (P10)$38,240$39,615Top Earner (P90)$67,330$67,087US Median $49,986

Verdict

Cranston, RI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Providence.

The salary gap between Cranston and Providence is $440 (0.90%). Cranston's median is -1.69% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $29,090,Providence spans $27,472. Cranston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cranston
P10 (Entry)$38,240
P25$40,890
Median$49,139
P75$61,241
P90 (Top)$67,330
Providence
P10 (Entry)$39,615
P25$40,259
Median$48,699
P75$63,733
P90 (Top)$67,087

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cranston ($48,895 effective) pays 2.18% more than Providence ($47,851 effective).

Cranston
Nominal: $49,139
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $48,895
Providence
Nominal: $48,699
CoL Index: 101.773
Adjusted: $47,851

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cranston if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,139/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,330)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,895)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Providence if…

  • Larger job market (730 employed)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Cranston grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Providence over the same period.

Cranston, RI

+12.8%

$41,288 (2024) → $46,577 (2025)

Providence, RI

+23.6%

$37,360 (2019) → $46,160 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Cranston or Providence?

Cranston has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,139/year, compared to Providence at $48,699/year — a difference of $440 (0.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Providence?

Cranston veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.62/hr while Providence hygienists earn $23.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cranston to Providence as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cranston and Providence. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cranston = $48,895, Providence = $47,851), job availability (12 vs 730 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Cranston vs Providence?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,240 in Cranston and $39,615 in Providence. The Providence 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