Vet Tech salary

Hackensack vs Newark: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Hackensack, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hackensack, NJ
$55,256
$26.56/hr
Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHackensack, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$55,256$63,055
Hourly Rate$26.56$30.31
Entry Level (P10)$44,440$43,220
25th Percentile$46,766$52,198
75th Percentile$64,637$80,053
Top Earner (P90)$71,613$90,252
Total Employed861
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hackensack ($55,256) and Newark ($63,055) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.HackensackNewarkMedian Salary$55,256$63,055Entry Level (P10)$44,440$43,220Top Earner (P90)$71,613$90,252US Median $49,986

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hackensack.

The salary gap between Hackensack and Newark is $7,799 (14.11%). Newark's median is +26.15% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hackensack spans $27,173,Newark spans $47,032. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Hackensack
P10 (Entry)$44,440
P25$46,766
Median$55,256
P75$64,637
P90 (Top)$71,613
Newark
P10 (Entry)$43,220
P25$52,198
Median$63,055
P75$80,053
P90 (Top)$90,252

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 14.11% more than Hackensack ($47,965 effective).

Hackensack
Nominal: $55,256
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $47,965
Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hackensack if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,055/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,252)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,735)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Hackensack grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Newark over the same period.

Hackensack, NJ

+3.0%

$50,849 (2024) → $52,375 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Hackensack or Newark?

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Hackensack at $55,256/year — a difference of $7,799 (14.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hackensack and Newark?

Hackensack veterinary technologist and technicians earn $26.56/hr while Newark hygienists earn $30.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hackensack to Newark as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hackensack and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hackensack = $47,965, Newark = $54,735), job availability (8 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Hackensack vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $44,440 in Hackensack and $43,220 in Newark. The Hackensack 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