Vet Tech salary

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

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

Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr
Plainfield, NJ
$57,475
$27.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPlainfield, NJ
Median Salary$63,055$57,475
Hourly Rate$30.31$27.63
Entry Level (P10)$43,220$41,748
25th Percentile$52,198$45,769
75th Percentile$80,053$68,226
Top Earner (P90)$90,252$79,120
Total Employed6110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($63,055) and Plainfield ($57,475) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NewarkPlainfieldMedian Salary$63,055$57,475Entry Level (P10)$43,220$41,748Top Earner (P90)$90,252$79,120US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Newark and Plainfield is $5,580 (9.71%). 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,Plainfield spans $37,372. 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
Plainfield
P10 (Entry)$41,748
P25$45,769
Median$57,475
P75$68,226
P90 (Top)$79,120

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 9.71% more than Plainfield ($49,891 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735
Plainfield
Nominal: $57,475
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $49,891

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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

Plainfield, NJ

+3.0%

$52,892 (2024) → $54,479 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Plainfield at $57,475/year — a difference of $5,580 (9.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Plainfield?

Newark veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30.31/hr while Plainfield hygienists earn $27.63/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Plainfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $54,735, Plainfield = $49,891), job availability (61 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $43,220 in Newark and $41,748 in Plainfield. The Newark 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