Vet Tech salary

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

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

Franklin, IN
$49,607
$23.85/hr
Lafayette, IN
$55,029
$26.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFranklin, INLafayette, IN
Median Salary$49,607$55,029
Hourly Rate$23.85$26.46
Entry Level (P10)$37,789$46,620
25th Percentile$40,429$51,611
75th Percentile$59,450$55,029
Top Earner (P90)$63,569$66,265
Total Employed6190
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Franklin ($49,607) and Lafayette ($55,029) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.FranklinLafayetteMedian Salary$49,607$55,029Entry Level (P10)$37,789$46,620Top Earner (P90)$63,569$66,265US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Franklin and Lafayette is $5,422 (10.93%). 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 Franklin spans $25,780,Lafayette spans $19,645. Franklin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Franklin
P10 (Entry)$37,789
P25$40,429
Median$49,607
P75$59,450
P90 (Top)$63,569
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 8.40% more than Franklin ($54,334 effective).

Franklin
Nominal: $49,607
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $54,334
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 Franklin if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Lafayette if…

  • Higher median salary ($55,029/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,265)
  • 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 Franklin grew 45.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Lafayette over the same period.

Franklin, IN

+45.5%

$32,312 (2024) → $47,021 (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: Franklin or Lafayette?

Lafayette has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $55,029/year, compared to Franklin at $49,607/year — a difference of $5,422 (10.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Lafayette?

Franklin veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.85/hr while Lafayette hygienists earn $26.46/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Franklin and Lafayette. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Franklin = $54,334, Lafayette = $58,899), job availability (6 vs 190 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,789 in Franklin 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