Vet Tech salary

Martinsburg vs Wheeling: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Martinsburg, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Martinsburg, WV
$40,844
$19.63/hr
Wheeling, WV
$38,064
$18.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMartinsburg, WVWheeling, WV
Median Salary$40,844$38,064
Hourly Rate$19.63$18.29
Entry Level (P10)$31,333$24,930
25th Percentile$33,381$30,162
75th Percentile$47,718$48,361
Top Earner (P90)$50,162$50,999
Total Employed660
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Martinsburg ($40,844) and Wheeling ($38,064) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MartinsburgWheelingMedian Salary$40,844$38,064Entry Level (P10)$31,333$24,930Top Earner (P90)$50,162$50,999US Median $49,986

Verdict

Martinsburg and Wheeling are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Martinsburg and Wheeling is $2,780 (7.30%). Martinsburg's median is -18.29% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Martinsburg spans $18,829,Wheeling spans $26,069. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Martinsburg
P10 (Entry)$31,333
P25$33,381
Median$40,844
P75$47,718
P90 (Top)$50,162
Wheeling
P10 (Entry)$24,930
P25$30,162
Median$38,064
P75$48,361
P90 (Top)$50,999

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Martinsburg ($47,218 effective) pays 9.56% more than Wheeling ($43,096 effective).

Martinsburg
Nominal: $40,844
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $47,218
Wheeling
Nominal: $38,064
CoL Index: 88.323
Adjusted: $43,096

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Martinsburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,844/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,218)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Wheeling if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($50,999)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Martinsburg grew 48.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Wheeling over the same period.

Martinsburg, WV

+48.1%

$26,147 (2024) → $38,715 (2025)

Wheeling, WV

+22.5%

$29,460 (2020) → $36,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Martinsburg or Wheeling?

Martinsburg has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $40,844/year, compared to Wheeling at $38,064/year — a difference of $2,780 (7.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Martinsburg and Wheeling?

Martinsburg veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.63/hr while Wheeling hygienists earn $18.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Martinsburg to Wheeling as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Martinsburg and Wheeling. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Martinsburg = $47,218, Wheeling = $43,096), job availability (6 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Martinsburg vs Wheeling?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $31,333 in Martinsburg and $24,930 in Wheeling. The Martinsburg 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