Vet Tech salary

Newport News vs Virginia Beach: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Newport News, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newport News, VA
$50,762
$24.40/hr
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,030
$24.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewport News, VAVirginia Beach, VA
Median Salary$50,762$51,030
Hourly Rate$24.40$24.54
Entry Level (P10)$39,302$37,442
25th Percentile$42,413$48,709
75th Percentile$63,293$61,981
Top Earner (P90)$70,200$66,560
Total Employed39470
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newport News ($50,762) and Virginia Beach ($51,030) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Newport NewsVirginia BeachMedian Salary$50,762$51,030Entry Level (P10)$39,302$37,442Top Earner (P90)$70,200$66,560US Median $49,986

Verdict

Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Newport News.

The salary gap between Newport News and Virginia Beach is $268 (0.53%). Virginia Beach's median is +2.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $30,898,Virginia Beach spans $29,118. Newport News has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newport News
P10 (Entry)$39,302
P25$42,413
Median$50,762
P75$63,293
P90 (Top)$70,200
Virginia Beach
P10 (Entry)$37,442
P25$48,709
Median$51,030
P75$61,981
P90 (Top)$66,560

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($52,103 effective) pays 5.93% more than Newport News ($49,188 effective).

Newport News
Nominal: $50,762
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $49,188
Virginia Beach
Nominal: $51,030
CoL Index: 97.941
Adjusted: $52,103

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newport News if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($70,200)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Virginia Beach if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,030/year)
  • Larger job market (470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,103)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Newport News grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.

Newport News, VA

+15.7%

$41,601 (2024) → $48,116 (2025)

Virginia Beach, VA

+45.0%

$33,350 (2019) → $48,370 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Newport News or Virginia Beach?

Virginia Beach has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,030/year, compared to Newport News at $50,762/year — a difference of $268 (0.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newport News and Virginia Beach?

Newport News veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.40/hr while Virginia Beach hygienists earn $24.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newport News to Virginia Beach as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newport News and Virginia Beach. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newport News = $49,188, Virginia Beach = $52,103), job availability (39 vs 470 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Newport News vs Virginia Beach?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,302 in Newport News and $37,442 in Virginia Beach. The Newport News 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