Vet Tech salary

Newark vs Old Bridge: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Newark, NJ and Old Bridge, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr
Old Bridge, NJ
$56,906
$27.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJOld Bridge, NJ
Median Salary$63,055$56,906
Hourly Rate$30.31$27.36
Entry Level (P10)$43,220$45,151
25th Percentile$52,198$48,057
75th Percentile$80,053$68,156
Top Earner (P90)$90,252$77,052
Total Employed6117
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($63,055) and Old Bridge ($56,906) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NewarkOld BridgeMedian Salary$63,055$56,906Entry Level (P10)$43,220$45,151Top Earner (P90)$90,252$77,052US Median $49,986

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Old Bridge.

The salary gap between Newark and Old Bridge is $6,149 (10.81%). Newark's median is +26.15% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $47,032,Old Bridge spans $31,901. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$43,220
P25$52,198
Median$63,055
P75$80,053
P90 (Top)$90,252
Old Bridge
P10 (Entry)$45,151
P25$48,057
Median$56,906
P75$68,156
P90 (Top)$77,052

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 10.81% more than Old Bridge ($49,398 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735
Old Bridge
Nominal: $56,906
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $49,398

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,055/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,252)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,735)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Old Bridge if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Newark grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.0% growth in Old Bridge over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

Old Bridge, NJ

+3.0%

$52,368 (2024) → $53,939 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Newark or Old Bridge?

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Old Bridge at $56,906/year — a difference of $6,149 (10.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Old Bridge?

Newark veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30.31/hr while Old Bridge hygienists earn $27.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Old Bridge as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Old Bridge. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $54,735, Old Bridge = $49,398), job availability (61 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Newark vs Old Bridge?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $43,220 in Newark and $45,151 in Old Bridge. The Old Bridge 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