Vet Tech salary

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

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

Lansing, MI
$56,390
$27.11/hr
Muskegon, MI
$50,928
$24.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MIMuskegon, MI
Median Salary$56,390$50,928
Hourly Rate$27.11$24.49
Entry Level (P10)$41,229$38,062
25th Percentile$52,613$40,964
75th Percentile$67,193$60,431
Top Earner (P90)$67,193$64,526
Total Employed2107
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($56,390) and Muskegon ($50,928) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LansingMuskegonMedian Salary$56,390$50,928Entry Level (P10)$41,229$38,062Top Earner (P90)$67,193$64,526US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lansing and Muskegon is $5,462 (10.72%). 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,Muskegon spans $26,464. Muskegon has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$41,229
P25$52,613
Median$56,390
P75$67,193
P90 (Top)$67,193
Muskegon
P10 (Entry)$38,062
P25$40,964
Median$50,928
P75$60,431
P90 (Top)$64,526

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($59,364 effective) pays 8.64% more than Muskegon ($54,644 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $56,390
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $59,364
Muskegon
Nominal: $50,928
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $54,644

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 Muskegon 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 29.6% growth in Muskegon over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+14.4%

$46,740 (2019) → $53,450 (2025)

Muskegon, MI

+29.6%

$37,240 (2022) → $48,273 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lansing has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,390/year, compared to Muskegon at $50,928/year — a difference of $5,462 (10.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Muskegon?

Lansing veterinary technologist and technicians earn $27.11/hr while Muskegon hygienists earn $24.49/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Muskegon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $59,364, Muskegon = $54,644), job availability (210 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,229 in Lansing and $38,062 in Muskegon. 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