Vet Tech salary

Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Virginia Beach, VA
$51,030
$24.54/hr
Waynesboro, VA
$47,855
$23.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVirginia Beach, VAWaynesboro, VA
Median Salary$51,030$47,855
Hourly Rate$24.54$23.01
Entry Level (P10)$37,442$37,338
25th Percentile$48,709$39,452
75th Percentile$61,981$55,249
Top Earner (P90)$66,560$62,032
Total Employed4704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Virginia Beach ($51,030) and Waynesboro ($47,855) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.Virginia BeachWaynesboroMedian Salary$51,030$47,855Entry Level (P10)$37,442$37,338Top Earner (P90)$66,560$62,032US Median $49,986

Verdict

Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.

The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro is $3,175 (6.63%). Virginia Beach's median is +2.09% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $29,118,Waynesboro spans $24,694. Virginia Beach has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Virginia Beach
P10 (Entry)$37,442
P25$48,709
Median$51,030
P75$61,981
P90 (Top)$66,560
Waynesboro
P10 (Entry)$37,338
P25$39,452
Median$47,855
P75$55,249
P90 (Top)$62,032

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($52,103 effective) pays 12.36% more than Waynesboro ($46,371 effective).

Virginia Beach
Nominal: $51,030
CoL Index: 97.941
Adjusted: $52,103
Waynesboro
Nominal: $47,855
CoL Index: 103.2
Adjusted: $46,371

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Virginia Beach if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,030/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($66,560)
  • Larger job market (470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,103)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Waynesboro if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Virginia Beach grew 45.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.

Virginia Beach, VA

+45.0%

$33,350 (2019) → $48,370 (2025)

Waynesboro, VA

+15.7%

$39,218 (2024) → $45,360 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Virginia Beach or Waynesboro?

Virginia Beach has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $51,030/year, compared to Waynesboro at $47,855/year — a difference of $3,175 (6.63%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro?

Virginia Beach veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.54/hr while Waynesboro hygienists earn $23.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Waynesboro as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Virginia Beach and Waynesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Virginia Beach = $52,103, Waynesboro = $46,371), job availability (470 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $37,442 in Virginia Beach and $37,338 in Waynesboro. The Virginia Beach 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