Vet Tech salary

Keizer vs Salem: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Keizer, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Keizer, OR
$52,991
$25.48/hr
Salem, OR
$52,022
$25.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKeizer, ORSalem, OR
Median Salary$52,991$52,022
Hourly Rate$25.48$25.01
Entry Level (P10)$41,541$33,095
25th Percentile$42,876$50,091
75th Percentile$63,124$60,736
Top Earner (P90)$67,542$65,326
Total Employed990
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Keizer ($52,991) and Salem ($52,022) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.KeizerSalemMedian Salary$52,991$52,022Entry Level (P10)$41,541$33,095Top Earner (P90)$67,542$65,326US Median $49,986

Verdict

Keizer, OR offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.

The salary gap between Keizer and Salem is $969 (1.86%). Keizer's median is +6.01% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Keizer spans $26,001,Salem spans $32,231. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Keizer
P10 (Entry)$41,541
P25$42,876
Median$52,991
P75$63,124
P90 (Top)$67,542
Salem
P10 (Entry)$33,095
P25$50,091
Median$52,022
P75$60,736
P90 (Top)$65,326

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Keizer ($51,648 effective) pays 2.90% more than Salem ($50,191 effective).

Keizer
Nominal: $52,991
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $51,648
Salem
Nominal: $52,022
CoL Index: 103.649
Adjusted: $50,191

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Keizer if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,991/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,542)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,648)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Salem if…

  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Keizer grew 7.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Salem over the same period.

Keizer, OR

+7.6%

$46,668 (2024) → $50,228 (2025)

Salem, OR

+45.0%

$34,010 (2019) → $49,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Keizer or Salem?

Keizer has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $52,991/year, compared to Salem at $52,022/year — a difference of $969 (1.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Keizer and Salem?

Keizer veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.48/hr while Salem hygienists earn $25.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Keizer to Salem as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Keizer and Salem. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Keizer = $51,648, Salem = $50,191), job availability (9 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Keizer vs Salem?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,541 in Keizer and $33,095 in Salem. The Keizer 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