Vet Tech salary

Las Vegas vs Reno: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Las Vegas, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Las Vegas, NV
$53,974
$25.95/hr
Reno, NV
$61,359
$29.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLas Vegas, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$53,974$61,359
Hourly Rate$25.95$29.50
Entry Level (P10)$36,598$37,252
25th Percentile$50,345$51,695
75th Percentile$66,898$68,480
Top Earner (P90)$68,269$70,221
Total Employed700280
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Las Vegas ($53,974) and Reno ($61,359) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Las VegasRenoMedian Salary$53,974$61,359Entry Level (P10)$36,598$37,252Top Earner (P90)$68,269$70,221US Median $49,986

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Vegas.

The salary gap between Las Vegas and Reno is $7,385 (13.68%). Reno's median is +22.75% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Vegas spans $31,671,Reno spans $32,969. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Las Vegas
P10 (Entry)$36,598
P25$50,345
Median$53,974
P75$66,898
P90 (Top)$68,269
Reno
P10 (Entry)$37,252
P25$51,695
Median$61,359
P75$68,480
P90 (Top)$70,221

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($60,743 effective) pays 12.78% more than Las Vegas ($53,858 effective).

Las Vegas
Nominal: $53,974
CoL Index: 100.215
Adjusted: $53,858
Reno
Nominal: $61,359
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $60,743

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Las Vegas if…

  • Larger job market (700 employed)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,359/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($70,221)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,743)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Las Vegas grew 4.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in Reno over the same period.

Las Vegas, NV

+4.3%

$49,060 (2019) → $51,160 (2025)

Reno, NV

+25.4%

$46,390 (2019) → $58,160 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Las Vegas or Reno?

Reno has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $61,359/year, compared to Las Vegas at $53,974/year — a difference of $7,385 (13.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Las Vegas and Reno?

Las Vegas veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.95/hr while Reno hygienists earn $29.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Las Vegas to Reno as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Las Vegas and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Las Vegas = $53,858, Reno = $60,743), job availability (700 vs 280 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Las Vegas vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $36,598 in Las Vegas and $37,252 in Reno. The Reno 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