Vet Tech salary

Port Orange vs Tampa: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Port Orange, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Port Orange, FL
$47,214
$22.70/hr
Tampa, FL
$49,691
$23.90/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPort Orange, FLTampa, FL
Median Salary$47,214$49,691
Hourly Rate$22.70$23.90
Entry Level (P10)$33,881$39,721
25th Percentile$40,013$41,609
75th Percentile$56,689$54,122
Top Earner (P90)$64,168$62,646
Total Employed101,820
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Port Orange ($47,214) and Tampa ($49,691) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Port OrangeTampaMedian Salary$47,214$49,691Entry Level (P10)$33,881$39,721Top Earner (P90)$64,168$62,646US Median $49,986

Verdict

Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Port Orange.

The salary gap between Port Orange and Tampa is $2,477 (5.25%). Tampa's median is -0.59% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Port Orange spans $30,287,Tampa spans $22,925. Port Orange has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Port Orange
P10 (Entry)$33,881
P25$40,013
Median$47,214
P75$56,689
P90 (Top)$64,168
Tampa
P10 (Entry)$39,721
P25$41,609
Median$49,691
P75$54,122
P90 (Top)$62,646

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tampa ($49,253 effective) pays 5.15% more than Port Orange ($46,839 effective).

Port Orange
Nominal: $47,214
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $46,839
Tampa
Nominal: $49,691
CoL Index: 100.89
Adjusted: $49,253

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Port Orange if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($64,168)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Tampa if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,691/year)
  • Larger job market (1,820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,253)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Port Orange grew 24.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 50.4% growth in Tampa over the same period.

Port Orange, FL

+24.5%

$35,953 (2024) → $44,753 (2025)

Tampa, FL

+50.4%

$31,320 (2019) → $47,100 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Port Orange or Tampa?

Tampa has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $49,691/year, compared to Port Orange at $47,214/year — a difference of $2,477 (5.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Port Orange and Tampa?

Port Orange veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.70/hr while Tampa hygienists earn $23.90/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Port Orange to Tampa as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Port Orange and Tampa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Port Orange = $46,839, Tampa = $49,253), job availability (10 vs 1,820 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Port Orange vs Tampa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,881 in Port Orange and $39,721 in Tampa. The Tampa 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