Vet Tech salary

Newark vs Passaic: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr
Passaic, NJ
$56,362
$27.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPassaic, NJ
Median Salary$63,055$56,362
Hourly Rate$30.31$27.09
Entry Level (P10)$43,220$43,920
25th Percentile$52,198$46,944
75th Percentile$80,053$70,200
Top Earner (P90)$90,252$77,443
Total Employed6118
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($63,055) and Passaic ($56,362) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NewarkPassaicMedian Salary$63,055$56,362Entry Level (P10)$43,220$43,920Top Earner (P90)$90,252$77,443US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Newark and Passaic is $6,693 (11.88%). 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,Passaic spans $33,523. 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
Passaic
P10 (Entry)$43,920
P25$46,944
Median$56,362
P75$70,200
P90 (Top)$77,443

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 11.88% more than Passaic ($48,925 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735
Passaic
Nominal: $56,362
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $48,925

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 Passaic 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 Passaic over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

Passaic, NJ

+3.0%

$51,868 (2024) → $53,424 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Passaic at $56,362/year — a difference of $6,693 (11.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Passaic?

Newark veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30.31/hr while Passaic hygienists earn $27.09/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Passaic. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $54,735, Passaic = $48,925), job availability (61 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $43,220 in Newark and $43,920 in Passaic. The Passaic 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