Vet Tech salary

Jackson vs Trenton: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Jackson, NJ
$57,230
$27.51/hr
Trenton, NJ
$50,450
$24.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$57,230$50,450
Hourly Rate$27.51$24.25
Entry Level (P10)$41,173$38,845
25th Percentile$48,710$44,500
75th Percentile$68,890$58,964
Top Earner (P90)$74,652$74,367
Total Employed10180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($57,230) and Trenton ($50,450) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.JacksonTrentonMedian Salary$57,230$50,450Entry Level (P10)$41,173$38,845Top Earner (P90)$74,652$74,367US Median $49,986

Verdict

Jackson, NJ offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Jackson and Trenton is $6,780 (13.44%). Jackson's median is +14.49% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $33,479,Trenton spans $35,522. Trenton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$41,173
P25$48,710
Median$57,230
P75$68,890
P90 (Top)$74,652
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$38,845
P25$44,500
Median$50,450
P75$58,964
P90 (Top)$74,367

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($49,679 effective) pays 1.60% more than Trenton ($48,895 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $57,230
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $49,679
Trenton
Nominal: $50,450
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $48,895

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • Higher median salary ($57,230/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($74,652)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,679)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • 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 Jackson grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Jackson, NJ

+3.0%

$52,666 (2024) → $54,246 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+31.5%

$36,370 (2019) → $47,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Jackson or Trenton?

Jackson has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $57,230/year, compared to Trenton at $50,450/year — a difference of $6,780 (13.44%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Trenton?

Jackson veterinary technologist and technicians earn $27.51/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $24.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Trenton as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $49,679, Trenton = $48,895), job availability (10 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Jackson vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,173 in Jackson and $38,845 in Trenton. The Jackson 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