Vet Tech salary

Middletown vs Wilmington: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Middletown, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middletown, DE
$46,969
$22.58/hr
Wilmington, DE
$51,870
$24.94/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddletown, DEWilmington, DE
Median Salary$46,969$51,870
Hourly Rate$22.58$24.94
Entry Level (P10)$37,017$38,626
25th Percentile$38,954$41,858
75th Percentile$55,406$62,205
Top Earner (P90)$58,545$67,005
Total Employed610
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middletown ($46,969) and Wilmington ($51,870) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MiddletownWilmingtonMedian Salary$46,969$51,870Entry Level (P10)$37,017$38,626Top Earner (P90)$58,545$67,005US Median $49,986

Verdict

Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.

The salary gap between Middletown and Wilmington is $4,901 (10.43%). Wilmington's median is +3.77% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $21,528,Wilmington spans $28,379. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Middletown
P10 (Entry)$37,017
P25$38,954
Median$46,969
P75$55,406
P90 (Top)$58,545
Wilmington
P10 (Entry)$38,626
P25$41,858
Median$51,870
P75$62,205
P90 (Top)$67,005

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($51,003 effective) pays 10.43% more than Middletown ($46,184 effective).

Middletown
Nominal: $46,969
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $46,184
Wilmington
Nominal: $51,870
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $51,003

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middletown if…

  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Choose Wilmington if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,870/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,005)
  • Larger job market (10 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,003)
  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Middletown grew 18.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in Wilmington over the same period.

Middletown, DE

+18.4%

$37,586 (2024) → $44,520 (2025)

Wilmington, DE

+20.0%

$40,961 (2024) → $49,166 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Middletown or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,870/year, compared to Middletown at $46,969/year — a difference of $4,901 (10.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and Wilmington?

Middletown veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.58/hr while Wilmington hygienists earn $24.94/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middletown to Wilmington as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middletown and Wilmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middletown = $46,184, Wilmington = $51,003), job availability (6 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Middletown vs Wilmington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,017 in Middletown and $38,626 in Wilmington. The Wilmington 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