Vet Tech salary

Lansing vs Norton Shores: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Lansing, MI
$56,390
$27.11/hr
Norton Shores, MI
$50,315
$24.19/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MINorton Shores, MI
Median Salary$56,390$50,315
Hourly Rate$27.11$24.19
Entry Level (P10)$41,229$40,484
25th Percentile$52,613$41,293
75th Percentile$67,193$58,853
Top Earner (P90)$67,193$61,906
Total Employed2104
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($56,390) and Norton Shores ($50,315) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LansingNorton ShoresMedian Salary$56,390$50,315Entry Level (P10)$41,229$40,484Top Earner (P90)$67,193$61,906US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Lansing and Norton Shores is $6,075 (12.07%). 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,Norton Shores spans $21,422. 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
Norton Shores
P10 (Entry)$40,484
P25$41,293
Median$50,315
P75$58,853
P90 (Top)$61,906

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($59,364 effective) pays 9.96% more than Norton Shores ($53,986 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $56,390
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $59,364
Norton Shores
Nominal: $50,315
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $53,986

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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+14.4%

$46,740 (2019) → $53,450 (2025)

Norton Shores, MI

+39.9%

$34,102 (2024) → $47,692 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Lansing has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,390/year, compared to Norton Shores at $50,315/year — a difference of $6,075 (12.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Norton Shores?

Lansing veterinary technologist and technicians earn $27.11/hr while Norton Shores hygienists earn $24.19/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Norton Shores. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $59,364, Norton Shores = $53,986), job availability (210 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,229 in Lansing and $40,484 in Norton Shores. 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