Vet Tech salary

Dover vs Middletown: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Dover, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dover, DE
$47,391
$22.79/hr
Middletown, DE
$46,969
$22.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDover, DEMiddletown, DE
Median Salary$47,391$46,969
Hourly Rate$22.79$22.58
Entry Level (P10)$33,538$37,017
25th Percentile$39,299$38,954
75th Percentile$56,348$55,406
Top Earner (P90)$59,439$58,545
Total Employed806
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dover ($47,391) and Middletown ($46,969) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DoverMiddletownMedian Salary$47,391$46,969Entry Level (P10)$33,538$37,017Top Earner (P90)$59,439$58,545US Median $49,986

Verdict

Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.

The salary gap between Dover and Middletown is $422 (0.90%). Dover's median is -5.19% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $25,901,Middletown spans $21,528. Dover has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dover
P10 (Entry)$33,538
P25$39,299
Median$47,391
P75$56,348
P90 (Top)$59,439
Middletown
P10 (Entry)$37,017
P25$38,954
Median$46,969
P75$55,406
P90 (Top)$58,545

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dover ($48,603 effective) pays 5.24% more than Middletown ($46,184 effective).

Dover
Nominal: $47,391
CoL Index: 97.507
Adjusted: $48,603
Middletown
Nominal: $46,969
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $46,184

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dover if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,391/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,439)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,603)
  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Choose Middletown if…

  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Dover grew 40.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.4% growth in Middletown over the same period.

Dover, DE

+40.5%

$31,980 (2019) → $44,920 (2025)

Middletown, DE

+18.4%

$37,586 (2024) → $44,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Dover or Middletown?

Dover has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,391/year, compared to Middletown at $46,969/year — a difference of $422 (0.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Middletown?

Dover veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.79/hr while Middletown hygienists earn $22.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dover to Middletown as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dover and Middletown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dover = $48,603, Middletown = $46,184), job availability (80 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Dover vs Middletown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,538 in Dover and $37,017 in Middletown. The Middletown 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