Vet Tech salary

Toms River vs Trenton: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Toms River, NJ
$56,774
$27.29/hr
Trenton, NJ
$50,450
$24.25/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricToms River, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$56,774$50,450
Hourly Rate$27.29$24.25
Entry Level (P10)$44,893$38,845
25th Percentile$47,777$44,500
75th Percentile$67,796$58,964
Top Earner (P90)$73,149$74,367
Total Employed17180
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Toms River ($56,774) and Trenton ($50,450) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Toms RiverTrentonMedian Salary$56,774$50,450Entry Level (P10)$44,893$38,845Top Earner (P90)$73,149$74,367US Median $49,986

Verdict

Toms River and Trenton are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Toms River and Trenton is $6,324 (12.54%). Toms River's median is +13.58% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Toms River spans $28,256,Trenton spans $35,522. Trenton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Toms River
P10 (Entry)$44,893
P25$47,777
Median$56,774
P75$67,796
P90 (Top)$73,149
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$38,845
P25$44,500
Median$50,450
P75$58,964
P90 (Top)$74,367

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Toms River ($49,283 effective) pays 0.79% more than Trenton ($48,895 effective).

Toms River
Nominal: $56,774
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $49,283
Trenton
Nominal: $50,450
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $48,895

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Toms River if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,774/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,283)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($74,367)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • 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 Toms River grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Toms River, NJ

+3.0%

$52,246 (2024) → $53,814 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+31.5%

$36,370 (2019) → $47,820 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Toms River or Trenton?

Toms River has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $56,774/year, compared to Trenton at $50,450/year — a difference of $6,324 (12.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Toms River and Trenton?

Toms River veterinary technologist and technicians earn $27.29/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $24.25/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Toms River to Trenton as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Toms River and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Toms River = $49,283, Trenton = $48,895), job availability (17 vs 180 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Toms River vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $44,893 in Toms River and $38,845 in Trenton. The Toms River 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