Vet Tech salary

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

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

Newark, NJ
$63,055
$30.31/hr
Union, NJ
$58,133
$27.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJUnion, NJ
Median Salary$63,055$58,133
Hourly Rate$30.31$27.95
Entry Level (P10)$43,220$43,297
25th Percentile$52,198$47,096
75th Percentile$80,053$69,809
Top Earner (P90)$90,252$75,551
Total Employed6115
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($63,055) and Union ($58,133) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.NewarkUnionMedian Salary$63,055$58,133Entry Level (P10)$43,220$43,297Top Earner (P90)$90,252$75,551US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Newark and Union is $4,922 (8.47%). 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,Union spans $32,254. 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
Union
P10 (Entry)$43,297
P25$47,096
Median$58,133
P75$69,809
P90 (Top)$75,551

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($54,735 effective) pays 8.47% more than Union ($50,463 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $63,055
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $54,735
Union
Nominal: $58,133
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $50,463

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 Union 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 Union over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+7.3%

$55,724 (2024) → $59,768 (2025)

Union, NJ

+3.0%

$53,497 (2024) → $55,102 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Newark has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $63,055/year, compared to Union at $58,133/year — a difference of $4,922 (8.47%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Union?

Newark veterinary technologist and technicians earn $30.31/hr while Union hygienists earn $27.95/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Union. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $54,735, Union = $50,463), job availability (61 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $43,220 in Newark and $43,297 in Union. The Union 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