Vet Tech salary

Orlando vs Plant City: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Orlando, FL and Plant City, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Orlando, FL
$47,570
$22.87/hr
Plant City, FL
$45,107
$21.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOrlando, FLPlant City, FL
Median Salary$47,570$45,107
Hourly Rate$22.87$21.69
Entry Level (P10)$38,328$35,086
25th Percentile$41,303$37,438
75th Percentile$51,220$54,645
Top Earner (P90)$61,264$58,991
Total Employed1,2707
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Orlando ($47,570) and Plant City ($45,107) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.OrlandoPlant CityMedian Salary$47,570$45,107Entry Level (P10)$38,328$35,086Top Earner (P90)$61,264$58,991US Median $49,986

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plant City.

The salary gap between Orlando and Plant City is $2,463 (5.46%). Orlando's median is -4.83% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $22,936,Plant City spans $23,905. Plant City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Orlando
P10 (Entry)$38,328
P25$41,303
Median$47,570
P75$51,220
P90 (Top)$61,264
Plant City
P10 (Entry)$35,086
P25$37,438
Median$45,107
P75$54,645
P90 (Top)$58,991

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($46,905 effective) pays 4.82% more than Plant City ($44,749 effective).

Orlando
Nominal: $47,570
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $46,905
Plant City
Nominal: $45,107
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $44,749

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,570/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,264)
  • Larger job market (1,270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,905)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Plant City if…

  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Orlando grew 53.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Plant City over the same period.

Orlando, FL

+53.6%

$29,350 (2019) → $45,090 (2025)

Plant City, FL

+24.5%

$34,348 (2024) → $42,755 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Orlando or Plant City?

Orlando has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,570/year, compared to Plant City at $45,107/year — a difference of $2,463 (5.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Plant City?

Orlando veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.87/hr while Plant City hygienists earn $21.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Orlando to Plant City as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Orlando and Plant City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Orlando = $46,905, Plant City = $44,749), job availability (1,270 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Orlando vs Plant City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $38,328 in Orlando and $35,086 in Plant City. The Orlando area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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