Vet Tech salary

Grand Rapids vs Lincoln Park: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Lincoln Park, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Grand Rapids, MI
$55,303
$26.59/hr
Lincoln Park, MI
$51,577
$24.79/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrand Rapids, MILincoln Park, MI
Median Salary$55,303$51,577
Hourly Rate$26.59$24.79
Entry Level (P10)$40,333$39,636
25th Percentile$49,469$42,290
75th Percentile$61,390$60,869
Top Earner (P90)$78,819$64,804
Total Employed2908
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grand Rapids ($55,303) and Lincoln Park ($51,577) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Grand RapidsLincoln ParkMedian Salary$55,303$51,577Entry Level (P10)$40,333$39,636Top Earner (P90)$78,819$64,804US Median $49,986

Verdict

Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln Park.

The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Lincoln Park is $3,726 (7.22%). Grand Rapids's median is +10.64% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $38,486,Lincoln Park spans $25,168. Grand Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Grand Rapids
P10 (Entry)$40,333
P25$49,469
Median$55,303
P75$61,390
P90 (Top)$78,819
Lincoln Park
P10 (Entry)$39,636
P25$42,290
Median$51,577
P75$60,869
P90 (Top)$64,804

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Rapids ($57,881 effective) pays 4.59% more than Lincoln Park ($55,340 effective).

Grand Rapids
Nominal: $55,303
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $57,881
Lincoln Park
Nominal: $51,577
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $55,340

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Grand Rapids if…

  • Higher median salary ($55,303/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($78,819)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,881)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Lincoln Park if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Grand Rapids grew 62.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.9% growth in Lincoln Park over the same period.

Grand Rapids, MI

+62.5%

$32,260 (2019) → $52,420 (2025)

Lincoln Park, MI

+39.9%

$34,957 (2024) → $48,888 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Grand Rapids or Lincoln Park?

Grand Rapids has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $55,303/year, compared to Lincoln Park at $51,577/year — a difference of $3,726 (7.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Lincoln Park?

Grand Rapids veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.59/hr while Lincoln Park hygienists earn $24.79/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Lincoln Park as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grand Rapids and Lincoln Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grand Rapids = $57,881, Lincoln Park = $55,340), job availability (290 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Grand Rapids vs Lincoln Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,333 in Grand Rapids and $39,636 in Lincoln Park. The Grand Rapids area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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