Vet Tech salary

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

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

Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr
Princeton, NJ
$51,453
$24.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJPrinceton, NJ
Median Salary$63,055$51,453
Hourly Rate$30.31$24.74
Entry Level (P10)$43,220$39,739
25th Percentile$52,198$42,334
75th Percentile$80,053$60,942
Top Earner (P90)$90,252$64,753
Total Employed616
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($63,055) and Princeton ($51,453) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NewarkPrincetonMedian Salary$63,055$51,453Entry Level (P10)$43,220$39,739Top Earner (P90)$90,252$64,753US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Newark and Princeton is $11,602 (22.55%). 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,Princeton spans $25,014. 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
Princeton
P10 (Entry)$39,739
P25$42,334
Median$51,453
P75$60,942
P90 (Top)$64,753

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 22.55% more than Princeton ($44,664 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735
Princeton
Nominal: $51,453
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $44,664

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 Princeton 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 -7.0% growth in Princeton over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

Princeton, NJ

+-7.0%

$52,424 (2024) → $48,771 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Princeton at $51,453/year — a difference of $11,602 (22.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Princeton?

Newark veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30.31/hr while Princeton hygienists earn $24.74/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Princeton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $54,735, Princeton = $44,664), job availability (61 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $43,220 in Newark and $39,739 in Princeton. 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