Vet Tech salary

Providence vs Westerly: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Providence, RI and Westerly, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Providence, RI
$48,699
$23.41/hr
Westerly, RI
$46,914
$22.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricProvidence, RIWesterly, RI
Median Salary$48,699$46,914
Hourly Rate$23.41$22.56
Entry Level (P10)$39,615$39,222
25th Percentile$40,259$40,581
75th Percentile$63,733$54,202
Top Earner (P90)$67,087$59,267
Total Employed7305
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Providence ($48,699) and Westerly ($46,914) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.ProvidenceWesterlyMedian Salary$48,699$46,914Entry Level (P10)$39,615$39,222Top Earner (P90)$67,087$59,267US Median $49,986

Verdict

Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Westerly.

The salary gap between Providence and Westerly is $1,785 (3.80%). Providence's median is -2.57% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $27,472,Westerly spans $20,045. Providence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Providence
P10 (Entry)$39,615
P25$40,259
Median$48,699
P75$63,733
P90 (Top)$67,087
Westerly
P10 (Entry)$39,222
P25$40,581
Median$46,914
P75$54,202
P90 (Top)$59,267

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($47,851 effective) pays 2.51% more than Westerly ($46,681 effective).

Providence
Nominal: $48,699
CoL Index: 101.773
Adjusted: $47,851
Westerly
Nominal: $46,914
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $46,681

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Providence if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,699/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($67,087)
  • Larger job market (730 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,851)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Westerly if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Providence grew 23.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Westerly over the same period.

Providence, RI

+23.6%

$37,360 (2019) → $46,160 (2025)

Westerly, RI

+12.8%

$39,419 (2024) → $44,468 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Providence or Westerly?

Providence has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $48,699/year, compared to Westerly at $46,914/year — a difference of $1,785 (3.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and Westerly?

Providence veterinary technologist and technicians earn $23.41/hr while Westerly hygienists earn $22.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Providence to Westerly as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Providence and Westerly. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Providence = $47,851, Westerly = $46,681), job availability (730 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Providence vs Westerly?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $39,615 in Providence and $39,222 in Westerly. The Providence 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