Vet Tech salary

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

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

Detroit, MI
$56,021
$26.93/hr
Troy, MI
$52,578
$25.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MITroy, MI
Median Salary$56,021$52,578
Hourly Rate$26.93$25.28
Entry Level (P10)$39,816$39,093
25th Percentile$49,121$42,384
75th Percentile$63,258$64,079
Top Earner (P90)$64,756$69,897
Total Employed93020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($56,021) and Troy ($52,578) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DetroitTroyMedian Salary$56,021$52,578Entry Level (P10)$39,816$39,093Top Earner (P90)$64,756$69,897US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Detroit and Troy is $3,443 (6.55%). Detroit's median is +12.07% 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,Troy spans $30,804. Troy 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
Troy
P10 (Entry)$39,093
P25$42,384
Median$52,578
P75$64,079
P90 (Top)$69,897

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Troy ($56,414 effective) pays 1.00% more than Detroit ($55,855 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $56,021
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $55,855
Troy
Nominal: $52,578
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $56,414

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,021/year)
  • Larger job market (930 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Troy if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($69,897)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,414)
  • 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 39.9% growth in Troy over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+43.0%

$37,140 (2019) → $53,100 (2025)

Troy, MI

+39.9%

$35,635 (2024) → $49,837 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Detroit has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,021/year, compared to Troy at $52,578/year — a difference of $3,443 (6.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Troy?

Detroit veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.93/hr while Troy hygienists earn $25.28/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Troy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $55,855, Troy = $56,414), job availability (930 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,816 in Detroit and $39,093 in Troy. The Detroit 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