Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Billerica, MA: $36,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,386 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,535 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,382) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A starting position as a veterinary technologist or technician in Billerica, Massachusetts, typically garners a pay range with the lowest 10% earning around $36,386 annually. This figure significantly trails behind the overall median salary of $49,382 for this profession in the city. New graduates can realistically expect to see their earnings progress from this entry-level mark to about $42,345 after gaining some experience, ultimately striving for the median salary within their first three to five years of employment. Given the growing demand for veterinary services and the current vet tech workforce shortage, Billerica presents a promising market for newcomers in 2026, making it an attractive option for aspiring veterinary professionals.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billerica
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Billerica, MA typically start between $36,386 and $42,345 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,611 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,382 — 1.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 104.44% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($36,386/year) in Billerica. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AVMA CVTEA-accredited veterinary technology program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private college).
Vet Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $36,386 to $42,345, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the veterinary technology field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billerica, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The veterinary technologist and technician wage spread in Billerica is $28,611 ( 78.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,386, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,997.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,691
2025 BLS Actual
$34,489
2026 Current Est.
$36,386
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,691 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,647 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,148 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,724 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,387 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,691 in 2019 to $34,489 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,387. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your veterinary technology Career in Billerica
In Billerica, various employers actively seek to hire recent graduates in veterinary technology. General practice clinics provide the most opportunities, often allowing for hands-on experience while developing specialized skills. Corporate veterinary chains like VCA and BluePearl frequently offer structured mentorship programs and sign-on bonuses, making them appealing for new grads. To enhance starting pay, obtaining credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE, and becoming a state-licensed technician can significantly impact salary. As the industry faces an acute workforce shortage, new veterinary technicians might see significant pay jumps from their initial salary in the first few years, particularly if they pursue the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. Those who actively engage in continuing education and specialization can expect to earn upwards of $30-$45+/hr as they gain experience and expertise in this evolving field.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Billerica in 2026?
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Is veterinary technology school worth it in Billerica?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Billerica?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new veterinary technology graduates. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
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