Vet Tech salary

Edmond vs Tahlequah: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Edmond, OK and Tahlequah, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Edmond, OK
$42,893
$20.63/hr
Tahlequah, OK
$42,659
$20.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEdmond, OKTahlequah, OK
Median Salary$42,893$42,659
Hourly Rate$20.63$20.51
Entry Level (P10)$31,233$34,097
25th Percentile$34,083$35,727
75th Percentile$51,780$50,648
Top Earner (P90)$56,199$52,236
Total Employed254
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Edmond ($42,893) and Tahlequah ($42,659) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.EdmondTahlequahMedian Salary$42,893$42,659Entry Level (P10)$31,233$34,097Top Earner (P90)$56,199$52,236US Median $49,986

Verdict

Edmond, OK offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tahlequah.

The salary gap between Edmond and Tahlequah is $234 (0.55%). Edmond's median is -14.19% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Edmond spans $24,966,Tahlequah spans $18,139. Edmond has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Edmond
P10 (Entry)$31,233
P25$34,083
Median$42,893
P75$51,780
P90 (Top)$56,199
Tahlequah
P10 (Entry)$34,097
P25$35,727
Median$42,659
P75$50,648
P90 (Top)$52,236

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Edmond ($48,249 effective) pays 0.55% more than Tahlequah ($47,985 effective).

Edmond
Nominal: $42,893
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $48,249
Tahlequah
Nominal: $42,659
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $47,985

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Edmond if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,893/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($56,199)
  • Larger job market (25 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,249)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Tahlequah if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Edmond grew 48.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.1% growth in Tahlequah over the same period.

Edmond, OK

+48.1%

$27,459 (2024) → $40,657 (2025)

Tahlequah, OK

+48.1%

$27,309 (2024) → $40,435 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Edmond or Tahlequah?

Edmond has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $42,893/year, compared to Tahlequah at $42,659/year — a difference of $234 (0.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Edmond and Tahlequah?

Edmond veterinary technologist and technicians earn $20.63/hr while Tahlequah hygienists earn $20.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Edmond to Tahlequah as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Edmond and Tahlequah. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Edmond = $48,249, Tahlequah = $47,985), job availability (25 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Edmond vs Tahlequah?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,233 in Edmond and $34,097 in Tahlequah. The Tahlequah 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