Vet Tech salary

Fishers vs Lafayette: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fishers, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fishers, IN
$50,341
$24.20/hr
Lafayette, IN
$55,029
$26.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFishers, INLafayette, IN
Median Salary$50,341$55,029
Hourly Rate$24.20$26.46
Entry Level (P10)$36,734$46,620
25th Percentile$40,059$51,611
75th Percentile$59,806$55,029
Top Earner (P90)$69,123$66,265
Total Employed21190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fishers ($50,341) and Lafayette ($55,029) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.FishersLafayetteMedian Salary$50,341$55,029Entry Level (P10)$36,734$46,620Top Earner (P90)$69,123$66,265US Median $49,986

Verdict

Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fishers.

The salary gap between Fishers and Lafayette is $4,688 (9.31%). Lafayette's median is +10.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fishers spans $32,389,Lafayette spans $19,645. Fishers has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Fishers
P10 (Entry)$36,734
P25$40,059
Median$50,341
P75$59,806
P90 (Top)$69,123
Lafayette
P10 (Entry)$46,620
P25$51,611
Median$55,029
P75$55,029
P90 (Top)$66,265

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lafayette ($58,899 effective) pays 6.82% more than Fishers ($55,138 effective).

Fishers
Nominal: $50,341
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $55,138
Lafayette
Nominal: $55,029
CoL Index: 93.43
Adjusted: $58,899

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fishers if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($69,123)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Lafayette if…

  • Higher median salary ($55,029/year)
  • Larger job market (190 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,899)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Fishers grew 45.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Lafayette over the same period.

Fishers, IN

+45.5%

$32,791 (2024) → $47,717 (2025)

Lafayette, IN

+40.5%

$37,130 (2019) → $52,160 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fishers or Lafayette?

Lafayette has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $55,029/year, compared to Fishers at $50,341/year — a difference of $4,688 (9.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fishers and Lafayette?

Fishers veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.20/hr while Lafayette hygienists earn $26.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fishers to Lafayette as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fishers and Lafayette. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fishers = $55,138, Lafayette = $58,899), job availability (21 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fishers vs Lafayette?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,734 in Fishers and $46,620 in Lafayette. The Lafayette 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