Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Burlington, VT: $51,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,231 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.9 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,749 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,813) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For 2026, the anticipated starting veterinary technologist and technician salary in Burlington, VT, is projected to be around $51,231, which is slightly below the city’s median annual income of $52,813. New graduates can expect to climb through the salary range quickly, reaching $51,822 at the 25th percentile within their first couple of years. With a robust growth rate of 5.50% projected over the next five years, this sector is positioned to be a viable option for recent graduates. Consequently, Burlington presents a favorable environment for entry-level positions in veterinary technology, with wages on par with or exceeding the national median of $49,986, which is encouraging for aspiring professionals entering the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Burlington, VT typically start between $51,231 and $51,822 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,520 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,813 — 5.66% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Vermont of $32,000 represents just 62.46% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($51,231/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $51,231 to $51,822, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $11,520 ( 22.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,231, experienced hygienists can earn up to $62,751.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,520
2025 BLS Actual
$48,560
2026 Current Est.
$51,231
2019–2027 Growth
+103.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,048 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 83.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,520 in 2019 to $48,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,048. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Employers in Burlington hiring newly graduated veterinary technologists and technicians typically include general practice clinics, where on-the-job experience can enhance skills and employability. Corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl often provide structured mentorship programs along with sign-on bonuses, presenting an attractive option for new entrants in the field. For those aiming to increase their earning potential, credentials like an associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program and passing the VTNE are crucial first steps. Specialized training, such as obtaining the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, is a strategic move as a pathway to earn salaries exceeding $30 per hour. With the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage significantly impacting the industry, new graduates can expect realistic salary growth in the first few years, establishing themselves in a profession that has seen pay rises of 25-40% in recent years.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Burlington?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in Burlington?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Vermont?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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