Vet Tech salary

Lansing vs Livonia: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Lansing, MI and Livonia, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$56,390
$27.11/hr
Livonia, MI
$51,473
$24.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MILivonia, MI
Median Salary$56,390$51,473
Hourly Rate$27.11$24.75
Entry Level (P10)$41,229$40,419
25th Percentile$52,613$43,262
75th Percentile$67,193$61,413
Top Earner (P90)$67,193$66,230
Total Employed21021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($56,390) and Livonia ($51,473) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LansingLivoniaMedian Salary$56,390$51,473Entry Level (P10)$41,229$40,419Top Earner (P90)$67,193$66,230US Median $49,986

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Livonia.

The salary gap between Lansing and Livonia is $4,917 (9.55%). Lansing's median is +12.81% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $25,964,Livonia spans $25,811. Lansing has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$41,229
P25$52,613
Median$56,390
P75$67,193
P90 (Top)$67,193
Livonia
P10 (Entry)$40,419
P25$43,262
Median$51,473
P75$61,413
P90 (Top)$66,230

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($59,364 effective) pays 7.49% more than Livonia ($55,229 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $56,390
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $59,364
Livonia
Nominal: $51,473
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $55,229

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,390/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,193)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,364)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Livonia if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Lansing grew 14.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.9% growth in Livonia over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+14.4%

$46,740 (2019) → $53,450 (2025)

Livonia, MI

+39.9%

$34,887 (2024) → $48,790 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Lansing or Livonia?

Lansing has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,390/year, compared to Livonia at $51,473/year — a difference of $4,917 (9.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Livonia?

Lansing veterinary technologist and technicians earn $27.11/hr while Livonia hygienists earn $24.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Livonia as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Livonia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $59,364, Livonia = $55,229), job availability (210 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Lansing vs Livonia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,229 in Lansing and $40,419 in Livonia. The Lansing 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