Vet Tech salary

Manchester vs Salem: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Manchester, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Manchester, NH
$51,516
$24.77/hr
Salem, NH
$52,341
$25.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricManchester, NHSalem, NH
Median Salary$51,516$52,341
Hourly Rate$24.77$25.16
Entry Level (P10)$37,864$39,173
25th Percentile$41,567$42,192
75th Percentile$59,840$62,226
Top Earner (P90)$61,074$66,316
Total Employed1808
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Manchester ($51,516) and Salem ($52,341) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ManchesterSalemMedian Salary$51,516$52,341Entry Level (P10)$37,864$39,173Top Earner (P90)$61,074$66,316US Median $49,986

Verdict

Salem, NH offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.

The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $825 (1.60%). Salem's median is +4.71% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $23,210,Salem spans $27,143. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Manchester
P10 (Entry)$37,864
P25$41,567
Median$51,516
P75$59,840
P90 (Top)$61,074
Salem
P10 (Entry)$39,173
P25$42,192
Median$52,341
P75$62,226
P90 (Top)$66,316

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($48,780 effective) pays 0.05% more than Manchester ($48,758 effective).

Manchester
Nominal: $51,516
CoL Index: 105.657
Adjusted: $48,758
Salem
Nominal: $52,341
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $48,780

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Manchester if…

  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Salem if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,341/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,316)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,780)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Manchester grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Salem over the same period.

Manchester, NH

+32.4%

$36,870 (2019) → $48,830 (2025)

Salem, NH

+12.8%

$43,978 (2024) → $49,612 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Manchester or Salem?

Salem has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $52,341/year, compared to Manchester at $51,516/year — a difference of $825 (1.60%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Salem?

Manchester veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.77/hr while Salem hygienists earn $25.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Manchester to Salem as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Manchester and Salem. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Manchester = $48,758, Salem = $48,780), job availability (180 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Manchester vs Salem?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,864 in Manchester and $39,173 in Salem. The Salem 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