Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Clearfield, UT: $30,861 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Clearfield, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,861 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clearfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,459 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,728) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the field of veterinary technology in Clearfield, UT, expectations around starting pay should be well-informed and realistic. The anticipated starting salary for entry-level veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be approximately $30,861 in 2026, which falls below the city’s median annual salary of $38,728. This results in a noticeable gap of roughly $7,867 that new graduates may face as they kickstart their careers. However, there is room for growth; with experience, entry-level salaries can ascend to around $32,567 or even reach closer to the median within the first few years. Given Clearfield's competitive environment and ongoing demand for veterinary professionals amid a nationwide shortage, it offers a reasonably favorable market for new grads seeking their first job in this fulfilling and essential career path.
About the Clearfield Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clearfield
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 Clearfield
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Clearfield, UT typically start between $30,861 and $32,567 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,462 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,728 — 22.52% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Utah of $22,000 represents just 71.29% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($30,861/year) in Clearfield. 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 Clearfield
- 1Research the Clearfield market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $30,861 to $32,567, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clearfield, 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 Clearfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clearfield'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 Clearfield is $20,462 ( 66.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,861, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,323.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,094
2025 BLS Actual
$29,252
2026 Current Est.
$30,861
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Clearfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,094 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,239 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,755 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,722 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,861 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,558 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Clearfield, UT grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,094 in 2019 to $29,252 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,558. New graduates entering the Clearfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearfield 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 Clearfield
Employers in Clearfield that actively hire new graduates include general practice clinics, which often provide invaluable on-the-job training while exposing new technologists to a variety of clinical experiences. Larger corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl typically offer structured mentorship programs along with enticing sign-on bonuses, making them attractive options for recent entrants into the profession. Additionally, specialty hospitals often prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience, emphasizing the importance of gaining initial hands-on exposure. New graduates can significantly enhance their starting pay by obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE national exam, and acquiring state credentials as a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT). With the acute workforce shortage, salaries for veterinary technologists and technicians could rise considerably, with a focus on achieving the VTS specialty credential leading to potential earnings of $30-$45+/hr within a few years of dedicated experience.
More salary data for Clearfield, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is veterinary technology school worth it in Clearfield?
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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 Clearfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clearfield 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