Vet Tech salary

Hollywood vs Tampa: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Hollywood, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hollywood, FL
$47,913
$23.03/hr
Tampa, FL
$49,691
$23.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHollywood, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$47,913$49,691
Hourly Rate$23.03$23.90
Entry Level (P10)$37,114$39,721
25th Percentile$39,900$41,609
75th Percentile$59,679$54,122
Top Earner (P90)$65,907$62,646
Total Employed371,820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hollywood ($47,913) and Tampa ($49,691) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.HollywoodTampaMedian Salary$47,913$49,691Entry Level (P10)$37,114$39,721Top Earner (P90)$65,907$62,646US Median $49,986

Verdict

Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hollywood.

The salary gap between Hollywood and Tampa is $1,778 (3.71%). Tampa's median is -0.59% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hollywood spans $28,793,Tampa spans $22,925. Hollywood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hollywood
P10 (Entry)$37,114
P25$39,900
Median$47,913
P75$59,679
P90 (Top)$65,907
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$39,721
P25$41,609
Median$49,691
P75$54,122
P90 (Top)$62,646

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($49,253 effective) pays 3.62% more than Hollywood ($47,533 effective).

Hollywood
Nominal: $47,913
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $47,533
Tampa
Nominal: $49,691
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $49,253

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hollywood if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($65,907)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,691/year)
  • Larger job market (1,820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,253)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Hollywood grew 24.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Hollywood, FL

+24.5%

$36,485 (2024) → $45,415 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+50.4%

$31,320 (2019) → $47,100 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Hollywood or Tampa?

Tampa has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,691/year, compared to Hollywood at $47,913/year — a difference of $1,778 (3.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hollywood and Tampa?

Hollywood veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.03/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $23.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hollywood to Tampa as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hollywood and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hollywood = $47,533, Tampa = $49,253), job availability (37 vs 1,820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Hollywood vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,114 in Hollywood and $39,721 in Tampa. The Tampa 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