Vet Tech salary

Dearborn Heights vs Lansing: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dearborn Heights, MI
$52,214
$25.10/hr
Lansing, MI
$56,390
$27.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDearborn Heights, MILansing, MI
Median Salary$52,214$56,390
Hourly Rate$25.10$27.11
Entry Level (P10)$38,234$41,229
25th Percentile$41,649$52,613
75th Percentile$62,051$67,193
Top Earner (P90)$71,994$67,193
Total Employed13210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dearborn Heights ($52,214) and Lansing ($56,390) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Dearborn HeightsLansingMedian Salary$52,214$56,390Entry Level (P10)$38,234$41,229Top Earner (P90)$71,994$67,193US Median $49,986

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.

The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Lansing is $4,176 (8.00%). Lansing's median is +12.81% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $33,760,Lansing spans $25,964. Dearborn Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dearborn Heights
P10 (Entry)$38,234
P25$41,649
Median$52,214
P75$62,051
P90 (Top)$71,994
Lansing
P10 (Entry)$41,229
P25$52,613
Median$56,390
P75$67,193
P90 (Top)$67,193

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($59,364 effective) pays 5.96% more than Dearborn Heights ($56,024 effective).

Dearborn Heights
Nominal: $52,214
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $56,024
Lansing
Nominal: $56,390
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $59,364

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dearborn Heights if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($71,994)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,390/year)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,364)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 39.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.4% growth in Lansing over the same period.

Dearborn Heights, MI

+39.9%

$35,389 (2024) → $49,492 (2025)

Lansing, MI

+14.4%

$46,740 (2019) → $53,450 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Dearborn Heights or Lansing?

Lansing has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,390/year, compared to Dearborn Heights at $52,214/year — a difference of $4,176 (8.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Lansing?

Dearborn Heights veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.10/hr while Lansing hygienists earn $27.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Lansing as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dearborn Heights and Lansing. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dearborn Heights = $56,024, Lansing = $59,364), job availability (13 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Dearborn Heights vs Lansing?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,234 in Dearborn Heights and $41,229 in Lansing. The Lansing area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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