Vet Tech salary

Detroit vs Midland: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Detroit, MI
$56,021
$26.93/hr
Midland, MI
$56,791
$27.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MIMidland, MI
Median Salary$56,021$56,791
Hourly Rate$26.93$27.30
Entry Level (P10)$39,816$42,274
25th Percentile$49,121$46,473
75th Percentile$63,258$61,338
Top Earner (P90)$64,756$68,491
Total Employed93030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($56,021) and Midland ($56,791) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DetroitMidlandMedian Salary$56,021$56,791Entry Level (P10)$39,816$42,274Top Earner (P90)$64,756$68,491US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Detroit and Midland is $770 (1.37%). Midland's median is +13.61% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $24,940,Midland spans $26,217. Midland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$39,816
P25$49,121
Median$56,021
P75$63,258
P90 (Top)$64,756
Midland
P10 (Entry)$42,274
P25$46,473
Median$56,791
P75$61,338
P90 (Top)$68,491

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Midland ($61,782 effective) pays 10.61% more than Detroit ($55,855 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $56,021
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $55,855
Midland
Nominal: $56,791
CoL Index: 91.921
Adjusted: $61,782

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Larger job market (930 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Midland if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,791/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($68,491)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,782)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Detroit grew 43.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.6% growth in Midland over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+43.0%

$37,140 (2019) → $53,100 (2025)

Midland, MI

+45.6%

$36,970 (2021) → $53,830 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Detroit or Midland?

Midland has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,791/year, compared to Detroit at $56,021/year — a difference of $770 (1.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Midland?

Detroit veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.93/hr while Midland hygienists earn $27.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Midland as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Midland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $55,855, Midland = $61,782), job availability (930 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Detroit vs Midland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,816 in Detroit and $42,274 in Midland. The Midland 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