Vet Tech salary

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

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

Dover, NH
$51,862
$24.93/hr
Manchester, NH
$51,516
$24.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDover, NHManchester, NH
Median Salary$51,862$51,516
Hourly Rate$24.93$24.77
Entry Level (P10)$42,360$37,864
25th Percentile$44,374$41,567
75th Percentile$61,132$59,840
Top Earner (P90)$64,783$61,074
Total Employed5180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dover ($51,862) and Manchester ($51,516) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.DoverManchesterMedian Salary$51,862$51,516Entry Level (P10)$42,360$37,864Top Earner (P90)$64,783$61,074US Median $49,986

Verdict

Dover, NH offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.

The salary gap between Dover and Manchester is $346 (0.67%). Dover's median is +3.75% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $22,423,Manchester spans $23,210. Manchester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Dover
P10 (Entry)$42,360
P25$44,374
Median$51,862
P75$61,132
P90 (Top)$64,783
Manchester
P10 (Entry)$37,864
P25$41,567
Median$51,516
P75$59,840
P90 (Top)$61,074

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Manchester ($48,758 effective) pays 0.88% more than Dover ($48,334 effective).

Dover
Nominal: $51,862
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $48,334
Manchester
Nominal: $51,516
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $48,758

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 ($51,862/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($64,783)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Manchester if…

  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,758)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Dover grew 37.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Manchester over the same period.

Dover, NH

+37.5%

$35,760 (2019) → $49,158 (2025)

Manchester, NH

+32.4%

$36,870 (2019) → $48,830 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dover has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,862/year, compared to Manchester at $51,516/year — a difference of $346 (0.67%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Manchester?

Dover veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.93/hr while Manchester hygienists earn $24.77/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dover and Manchester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dover = $48,334, Manchester = $48,758), job availability (5 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $42,360 in Dover and $37,864 in Manchester. The Dover 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