Vet Tech salary

Vernon vs Waterbury: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Vernon, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Vernon, CT
$52,067
$25.04/hr
Waterbury, CT
$51,906
$24.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVernon, CTWaterbury, CT
Median Salary$52,067$51,906
Hourly Rate$25.04$24.96
Entry Level (P10)$42,336$42,126
25th Percentile$44,448$50,682
75th Percentile$61,236$63,321
Top Earner (P90)$64,879$68,470
Total Employed7130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Vernon ($52,067) and Waterbury ($51,906) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.VernonWaterburyMedian Salary$52,067$51,906Entry Level (P10)$42,336$42,126Top Earner (P90)$64,879$68,470US Median $49,986

Verdict

Vernon and Waterbury are closely matched on overall veterinary technologist and technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Vernon and Waterbury is $161 (0.31%). Vernon's median is +4.16% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Vernon spans $22,543,Waterbury spans $26,344. Waterbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Vernon
P10 (Entry)$42,336
P25$44,448
Median$52,067
P75$61,236
P90 (Top)$64,879
Waterbury
P10 (Entry)$42,126
P25$50,682
Median$51,906
P75$63,321
P90 (Top)$68,470

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($52,021 effective) pays 7.81% more than Vernon ($48,255 effective).

Vernon
Nominal: $52,067
CoL Index: 107.9
Adjusted: $48,255
Waterbury
Nominal: $51,906
CoL Index: 99.778
Adjusted: $52,021

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Vernon if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,067/year)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Choose Waterbury if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($68,470)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,021)
  • You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Vernon grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Waterbury over the same period.

Vernon, CT

+3.0%

$47,916 (2024) → $49,353 (2025)

Waterbury, CT

+7.5%

$45,770 (2019) → $49,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Vernon or Waterbury?

Vernon has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $52,067/year, compared to Waterbury at $51,906/year — a difference of $161 (0.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Vernon and Waterbury?

Vernon veterinary technologist and technicians earn $25.04/hr while Waterbury hygienists earn $24.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Vernon to Waterbury as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Vernon and Waterbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Vernon = $48,255, Waterbury = $52,021), job availability (7 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Vernon vs Waterbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $42,336 in Vernon and $42,126 in Waterbury. The Vernon 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