Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Holland, MI: $39,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Holland, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holland's local price level (BEA RPP 93.2 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,503 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,934) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates in Holland, taking on the role of a veterinary technologist or technician comes with a starting salary that hovers around $39,613, which is a considerable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $49,934. This starting pay reflects entry-level positions, allowing recent grads an opportunity to build upon their experience and skill set over the first few years of their careers. As they gain expertise, the potential to progress to salaries around $42,014 is attainable, illustrating a clear upward trajectory towards the median within a few years. With a positive job market and projected growth rate of 5.50% annually, Holland offers a promising landscape for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians facing the challenges of entering this field.
About the Holland Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Holland
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 Holland
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Holland, MI typically start between $39,613 and $42,014 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,832 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,934 — 0.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Michigan of $24,000 represents just 60.59% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($39,613/year) in Holland. 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 Holland
- 1Research the Holland market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $39,613 to $42,014, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Holland, 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 Holland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Holland's below-average 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 Holland is $24,832 ( 62.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,445.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,793
2025 BLS Actual
$37,548
2026 Current Est.
$39,613
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Holland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,493 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,733 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,792 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Holland, MI grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,793 in 2019 to $37,548 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,792. New graduates entering the Holland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holland 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 Holland
Employers in Holland seeking to hire newly credentialed veterinary technologists and technicians primarily include general practice clinics, which often welcome fresh graduates for on-the-job training and exposure to various specialties. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl not only provide structured mentorship but may also offer attractive sign-on bonuses, enhancing the value of a new grad veterinary technologist and technician pay in MI. To increase starting salaries, candidates should obtain credentials such as an associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, pass the VTNE national exam, and secure state licensure as a CVT, RVT, or LVT. It’s crucial to note that the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage has led to significant pay increases in the past few years, making advanced VTS specialty credentialing an excellent pathway to achieving higher earnings and possibly commanding hourly rates from $30 to $45 or more, ensuring a fulfilling career for those who strategically navigate their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Holland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Holland in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Holland?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Holland?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Holland?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Michigan?
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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 Holland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Holland 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