Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Plymouth, MA: $38,226 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,226 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,231 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,342) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, the starting veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected at $38,226 in 2026, which is considerably lower than the city's median salary of $51,342 for this role. This gap highlights the natural progression expected for new grads, as entry-level positions often serve as stepping stones toward more lucrative opportunities. Over the first 3 to 5 years, entry-level professionals can anticipate gradual increases in pay, potentially reaching the 25th percentile mark of $41,427 as they gain experience and skills. With a growth rate of 5.50% per year, Plymouth's job market appears favorable for recent graduates, allowing them to establish a solid foundation while working towards higher earnings.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Plymouth, MA typically start between $38,226 and $41,427 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,093 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,342 — 2.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Massachusetts of $38,000 represents just 99.41% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($38,226/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $38,226 to $41,427, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $30,093 ( 78.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,226, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,319.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,889
2025 BLS Actual
$36,233
2026 Current Est.
$38,226
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,889 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,894 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,622 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,226 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,328 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,889 in 2019 to $36,233 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,328. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Employers in Plymouth hiring new graduates primarily include general practice veterinary clinics, which provide valuable on-the-job training and exposure to various specialties. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl are also noteworthy, as they often offer structured mentorship programs and may even provide sign-on bonuses to entice new talent. To enhance starting pay and job prospects, obtaining credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program is crucial, as is passing the VTNE and achieving state certification. Aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should consider pursuing the VTS specialty credentialing pathway to significantly enhance their earning potential. Given the acute workforce shortage in the veterinary sector, entry-level professionals can realistically expect pay increases within the first three years as wages have risen by 25-40% in many markets since 2020, making Plymouth a competitive area for new grad veterinary technologist and technician pay MA.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Plymouth?
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How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Massachusetts?
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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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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