Vet Tech salary

Laurel vs Salisbury: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Laurel, MD
$51,900
$24.95/hr
Salisbury, MD
$48,034
$23.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLaurel, MDSalisbury, MD
Median Salary$51,900$48,034
Hourly Rate$24.95$23.09
Entry Level (P10)$40,891$32,916
25th Percentile$43,298$40,174
75th Percentile$63,169$51,210
Top Earner (P90)$68,101$53,077
Total Employed660
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Laurel ($51,900) and Salisbury ($48,034) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.LaurelSalisburyMedian Salary$51,900$48,034Entry Level (P10)$40,891$32,916Top Earner (P90)$68,101$53,077US Median $49,986

Verdict

Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.

The salary gap between Laurel and Salisbury is $3,866 (8.05%). 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,Salisbury spans $20,161. Laurel has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Laurel
P10 (Entry)$40,891
P25$43,298
Median$51,900
P75$63,169
P90 (Top)$68,101
Salisbury
P10 (Entry)$32,916
P25$40,174
Median$48,034
P75$51,210
P90 (Top)$53,077

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Salisbury ($50,236 effective) pays 5.80% more than Laurel ($47,484 effective).

Laurel
Nominal: $51,900
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $47,484
Salisbury
Nominal: $48,034
CoL Index: 95.617
Adjusted: $50,236

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 top-earner potential ($68,101)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Salisbury if…

  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,236)
  • 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 33.2% growth in Salisbury over the same period.

Laurel, MD

+7.7%

$45,685 (2024) → $49,194 (2025)

Salisbury, MD

+33.2%

$34,170 (2019) → $45,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laurel has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,900/year, compared to Salisbury at $48,034/year — a difference of $3,866 (8.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Laurel and Salisbury?

Laurel veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.95/hr while Salisbury hygienists earn $23.09/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Laurel and Salisbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Laurel = $47,484, Salisbury = $50,236), job availability (6 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $40,891 in Laurel and $32,916 in Salisbury. 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