Vet Tech salary

Groton vs Waterbury: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Groton, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Groton, CT
$52,282
$25.14/hr
Waterbury, CT
$51,906
$24.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGroton, CTWaterbury, CT
Median Salary$52,282$51,906
Hourly Rate$25.14$24.96
Entry Level (P10)$38,550$42,126
25th Percentile$44,891$50,682
75th Percentile$63,703$63,321
Top Earner (P90)$68,781$68,470
Total Employed6130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Groton ($52,282) and Waterbury ($51,906) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.GrotonWaterburyMedian Salary$52,282$51,906Entry Level (P10)$38,550$42,126Top Earner (P90)$68,781$68,470US Median $49,986

Verdict

Groton, CT offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.

The salary gap between Groton and Waterbury is $376 (0.72%). Groton's median is +4.59% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Groton spans $30,231,Waterbury spans $26,344. Groton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Groton
P10 (Entry)$38,550
P25$44,891
Median$52,282
P75$63,703
P90 (Top)$68,781
Waterbury
P10 (Entry)$42,126
P25$50,682
Median$51,906
P75$63,321
P90 (Top)$68,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($52,021 effective) pays 7.36% more than Groton ($48,454 effective).

Groton
Nominal: $52,282
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $48,454
Waterbury
Nominal: $51,906
CoL Index: 99.778
Adjusted: $52,021

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Groton if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,282/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($68,781)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Waterbury if…

  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,021)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Groton grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Waterbury over the same period.

Groton, CT

+3.0%

$48,112 (2024) → $49,556 (2025)

Waterbury, CT

+7.5%

$45,770 (2019) → $49,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Groton or Waterbury?

Groton has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $52,282/year, compared to Waterbury at $51,906/year — a difference of $376 (0.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Groton and Waterbury?

Groton veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.14/hr while Waterbury hygienists earn $24.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Groton to Waterbury as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Groton and Waterbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Groton = $48,454, Waterbury = $52,021), job availability (6 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Groton vs Waterbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,550 in Groton and $42,126 in Waterbury. The Waterbury 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