Vet Tech salary

Newark vs Toms River: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr
Toms River, NJ
$56,774
$27.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJToms River, NJ
Median Salary$63,055$56,774
Hourly Rate$30.31$27.29
Entry Level (P10)$43,220$44,893
25th Percentile$52,198$47,777
75th Percentile$80,053$67,796
Top Earner (P90)$90,252$73,149
Total Employed6117
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($63,055) and Toms River ($56,774) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NewarkToms RiverMedian Salary$63,055$56,774Entry Level (P10)$43,220$44,893Top Earner (P90)$90,252$73,149US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Newark and Toms River is $6,281 (11.06%). 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,Toms River spans $28,256. 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
Toms River
P10 (Entry)$44,893
P25$47,777
Median$56,774
P75$67,796
P90 (Top)$73,149

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 11.06% more than Toms River ($49,283 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735
Toms River
Nominal: $56,774
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $49,283

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 Toms River 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 Toms River over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

Toms River, NJ

+3.0%

$52,246 (2024) → $53,814 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Toms River at $56,774/year — a difference of $6,281 (11.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Toms River?

Newark veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30.31/hr while Toms River hygienists earn $27.29/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Toms River. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $54,735, Toms River = $49,283), job availability (61 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $43,220 in Newark and $44,893 in Toms River. The Toms River 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