Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in South Burlington, VT: $40,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,736 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,358 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,081) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in South Burlington, Vermont, can expect to see starting salaries around $40,736, which can be considered the lower end of typical earnings for this role. This entry-level pay demonstrates a notable gap when compared to the median annual salary of $53,081 in the city. As new employees gain experience over the first three to five years, they can look forward to gradual salary increases that could lead them closer to the median, with potential earnings reaching approximately $43,393 at the 25th percentile. Given the competitive landscape for entry-level positions and the current demand for veterinary technicians, South Burlington presents a viable market for recent graduates looking to start their careers in this rewarding field.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South 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 South Burlington
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in South Burlington, VT typically start between $40,736 and $43,393 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,640 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,081 — 6.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average veterinary technology program cost in Vermont of $32,000 represents just 78.55% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($40,736/year) in South 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 South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $40,736 to $43,393, 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 South 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 South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington'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 South Burlington is $27,640 ( 67.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,736, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,376.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,523
2025 BLS Actual
$38,612
2026 Current Est.
$40,736
2019–2027 Growth
+62.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,523 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,676 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,633 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,723 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,612 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,976 | Projected |
Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,523 in 2019 to $38,612 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,976. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South 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 South Burlington
A variety of employers in South Burlington play a significant role in hiring new graduates from veterinary programs. Most commonly, general practice clinics provide ample opportunities for entry-level positions while also offering on-the-job exposure to specializations. Larger corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, typically have structured mentorship programs for new hires and even offer enticing sign-on bonuses. However, specialty hospitals often require candidates to have 1-2 years of general experience before applying. For those looking to boost their salaries, obtaining credentials from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, successful completion of the VTNE national exam, and a state credential (CVT, RVT, LVT, or an equivalent) are essential steps. Additionally, pursuing specialization through the VTS credential can significantly enhance earning potential, as the vocal shortage in the vet tech field has driven pay increases of 25-40% in recent years. With an acute need for skilled professionals, salary growth within the initial years can be expected to be positive, leading to pay nearing $30-$45+ per hour for those who advance through continued education and specialization.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is veterinary technology school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in South Burlington?
How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Vermont?
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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 South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington 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