Vet Tech salary

Madison vs Racine: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Madison, WI and Racine, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$50,893
$24.47/hr
Racine, WI
$49,849
$23.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIRacine, WI
Median Salary$50,893$49,849
Hourly Rate$24.47$23.97
Entry Level (P10)$41,514$40,185
25th Percentile$48,214$47,538
75th Percentile$59,302$52,497
Top Earner (P90)$64,977$64,007
Total Employed62040
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($50,893) and Racine ($49,849) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MadisonRacineMedian Salary$50,893$49,849Entry Level (P10)$41,514$40,185Top Earner (P90)$64,977$64,007US Median $49,986

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Racine.

The salary gap between Madison and Racine is $1,044 (2.09%). Madison's median is +1.81% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $23,463,Racine spans $23,822. Racine has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$41,514
P25$48,214
Median$50,893
P75$59,302
P90 (Top)$64,977
Racine
P10 (Entry)$40,185
P25$47,538
Median$49,849
P75$52,497
P90 (Top)$64,007

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($52,312 effective) pays 0.70% more than Racine ($51,947 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $50,893
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,312
Racine
Nominal: $49,849
CoL Index: 95.961
Adjusted: $51,947

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,893/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($64,977)
  • Larger job market (620 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,312)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Racine if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Madison grew 26.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in Racine over the same period.

Madison, WI

+26.5%

$38,120 (2019) → $48,240 (2025)

Racine, WI

+39.7%

$33,820 (2019) → $47,250 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Madison or Racine?

Madison has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,893/year, compared to Racine at $49,849/year — a difference of $1,044 (2.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Racine?

Madison veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.47/hr while Racine hygienists earn $23.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Racine as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Racine. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,312, Racine = $51,947), job availability (620 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Madison vs Racine?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,514 in Madison and $40,185 in Racine. The Madison 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