Vet Tech salary

Madison vs West Bend: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Madison, WI
$50,893
$24.47/hr
West Bend, WI
$48,604
$23.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIWest Bend, WI
Median Salary$50,893$48,604
Hourly Rate$24.47$23.37
Entry Level (P10)$41,514$36,934
25th Percentile$48,214$39,583
75th Percentile$59,302$57,131
Top Earner (P90)$64,977$60,511
Total Employed6205
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($50,893) and West Bend ($48,604) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MadisonWest BendMedian Salary$50,893$48,604Entry Level (P10)$41,514$36,934Top Earner (P90)$64,977$60,511US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Madison and West Bend is $2,289 (4.71%). 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,West Bend spans $23,577. West Bend 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
West Bend
P10 (Entry)$36,934
P25$39,583
Median$48,604
P75$57,131
P90 (Top)$60,511

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($52,312 effective) pays 0.53% more than West Bend ($52,039 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $50,893
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,312
West Bend
Nominal: $48,604
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $52,039

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 West Bend 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 32.1% growth in West Bend over the same period.

Madison, WI

+26.5%

$38,120 (2019) → $48,240 (2025)

West Bend, WI

+32.1%

$34,875 (2024) → $46,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Madison has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,893/year, compared to West Bend at $48,604/year — a difference of $2,289 (4.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and West Bend?

Madison veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.47/hr while West Bend hygienists earn $23.37/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and West Bend. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,312, West Bend = $52,039), job availability (620 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,514 in Madison and $36,934 in West Bend. 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