Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Moore, OK: $32,406 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Moore, OK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,406 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moore's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,452 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,434) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career in veterinary technology in Moore, Oklahoma, the starting veterinary technologist and technician salary in 2026 is projected at $32,406, which is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $44,434. This gap highlights the importance of budgeting expectations as new graduates transition into their first roles. In the initial years, early-career professionals can expect their earnings to grow modestly, moving from the entry-level pay to around $35,482 as they gain experience, and potentially reaching the median salary within three to five years. Currently, Moore presents a viable job market for new graduates, offering a range of opportunities in a city that supports entry-level positions in veterinary technology.
About the Moore Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moore
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 Moore
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Moore, OK typically start between $32,406 and $35,482 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,103 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,434 — 11.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Oklahoma of $18,000 represents just 55.55% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($32,406/year) in Moore. 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 Moore
- 1Research the Moore market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $32,406 to $35,482, 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 OK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moore, 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 Moore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moore'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 Moore is $26,103 ( 80.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,406, experienced hygienists can earn up to $58,509.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,100
2025 BLS Actual
$30,717
2026 Current Est.
$32,406
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Moore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,952 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $19,178 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,717 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,406 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,189 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Moore, OK grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,100 in 2019 to $30,717 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,189. New graduates entering the Moore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moore 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 Moore
New graduates in Moore can find employment opportunities primarily at general practice clinics that often cater to early-career veterinary technologists and technicians. These facilities frequently provide the necessary on-the-job training to help enhance skills and knowledge. Larger corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer structured mentorship programs along with enticing sign-on bonuses to attract new talent. To maximize starting pay, obtaining credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE national exam, and securing state certification as a CVT, RVT, or LVT is essential. Looking ahead, the acute shortage of veterinary technicians means that salaries are likely to rise, particularly for those pursuing Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentialing, which can command pay between $30 to $45+/hr. Realistically, within the first one to three years, new graduates can expect salaries to increase incrementally as they develop their expertise and take advantage of the growing demand for skilled technicians in Oklahoma.
More salary data for Moore, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is veterinary technology school worth it in Moore?
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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 Moore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moore 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