Vet Tech salary

Naugatuck vs Waterbury: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Naugatuck, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Naugatuck, CT
$51,682
$24.85/hr
Waterbury, CT
$51,906
$24.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNaugatuck, CTWaterbury, CT
Median Salary$51,682$51,906
Hourly Rate$24.85$24.96
Entry Level (P10)$41,450$42,126
25th Percentile$42,508$50,682
75th Percentile$62,234$63,321
Top Earner (P90)$66,974$68,470
Total Employed8130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Naugatuck ($51,682) and Waterbury ($51,906) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NaugatuckWaterburyMedian Salary$51,682$51,906Entry Level (P10)$41,450$42,126Top Earner (P90)$66,974$68,470US Median $49,986

Verdict

Waterbury, CT offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Naugatuck.

The salary gap between Naugatuck and Waterbury is $224 (0.43%). Waterbury's median is +3.84% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Naugatuck spans $25,524,Waterbury spans $26,344. Waterbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Naugatuck
P10 (Entry)$41,450
P25$42,508
Median$51,682
P75$62,234
P90 (Top)$66,974
Waterbury
P10 (Entry)$42,126
P25$50,682
Median$51,906
P75$63,321
P90 (Top)$68,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($52,021 effective) pays 8.61% more than Naugatuck ($47,898 effective).

Naugatuck
Nominal: $51,682
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $47,898
Waterbury
Nominal: $51,906
CoL Index: 99.778
Adjusted: $52,021

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Naugatuck if…

  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Waterbury if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,906/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($68,470)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,021)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Naugatuck grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Waterbury over the same period.

Naugatuck, CT

+3.0%

$47,561 (2024) → $48,988 (2025)

Waterbury, CT

+7.5%

$45,770 (2019) → $49,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Naugatuck or Waterbury?

Waterbury has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,906/year, compared to Naugatuck at $51,682/year — a difference of $224 (0.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Naugatuck and Waterbury?

Naugatuck veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.85/hr while Waterbury hygienists earn $24.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Naugatuck to Waterbury as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Naugatuck and Waterbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Naugatuck = $47,898, Waterbury = $52,021), job availability (8 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Naugatuck vs Waterbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,450 in Naugatuck and $42,126 in Waterbury. The Waterbury 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