Vet Tech salary

Laurel vs Lexington Park: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Laurel, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Laurel, MD
$51,900
$24.95/hr
Lexington Park, MD
$47,549
$22.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLaurel, MDLexington Park, MD
Median Salary$51,900$47,549
Hourly Rate$24.95$22.86
Entry Level (P10)$40,891$39,752
25th Percentile$43,298$41,978
75th Percentile$63,169$60,715
Top Earner (P90)$68,101$68,111
Total Employed690
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Laurel ($51,900) and Lexington Park ($47,549) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LaurelLexington ParkMedian Salary$51,900$47,549Entry Level (P10)$40,891$39,752Top Earner (P90)$68,101$68,111US Median $49,986

Verdict

Laurel and Lexington Park are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Laurel and Lexington Park is $4,351 (9.15%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laurel spans $27,210,Lexington Park spans $28,359. Lexington Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Laurel
P10 (Entry)$40,891
P25$43,298
Median$51,900
P75$63,169
P90 (Top)$68,101
Lexington Park
P10 (Entry)$39,752
P25$41,978
Median$47,549
P75$60,715
P90 (Top)$68,111

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Laurel ($47,484 effective) pays 0.62% more than Lexington Park ($47,190 effective).

Laurel
Nominal: $51,900
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $47,484
Lexington Park
Nominal: $47,549
CoL Index: 100.76
Adjusted: $47,190

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Laurel if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,900/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,484)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington Park if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($68,111)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Laurel grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.4% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.

Laurel, MD

+7.7%

$45,685 (2024) → $49,194 (2025)

Lexington Park, MD

+-2.4%

$46,160 (2024) → $45,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Laurel or Lexington Park?

Laurel has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,900/year, compared to Lexington Park at $47,549/year — a difference of $4,351 (9.15%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Laurel and Lexington Park?

Laurel veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.95/hr while Lexington Park hygienists earn $22.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Laurel to Lexington Park as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Laurel and Lexington Park. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Laurel = $47,484, Lexington Park = $47,190), job availability (6 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Laurel vs Lexington Park?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,891 in Laurel and $39,752 in Lexington Park. The Laurel 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