Vet Tech salary

Entry-Level Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Green Bay, WI: $40,480 (2026)

Quick Answer:New veterinary technologists and technicians entering the Green Bay, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,480 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2056, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Green Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,487 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,395) within a few years of clinical practice.

$40,480
Starting Salary
$19.46/hr
Starting Hourly
$40,480
Entry Level
$49,395
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Entry Level Salary in Green Bay, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Green Bay, WI veterinary technologist and technician entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, new graduates entering the veterinary technologist and technician field in Green Bay, Wisconsin can anticipate a starting salary around $40,480, which positions them below the city’s median annual wage of $49,395. This initial pay represents a point on a growth trajectory toward higher earnings as experience is gained. Based on these entry-level figures, newly minted professionals can expect to see an income rise to approximately $47,042 after a few years in the field, moving closer to the median as they enhance their skill set and take on additional responsibilities. Given the projected 5.50% annual growth in the sector and the current demand for veterinary professionals, Green Bay presents a viable market for new graduates hoping to build a fulfilling career in veterinary technology.

Career Earnings Timeline in Green Bay

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$40,480/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$47,042/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$49,395/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$50,883/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Green Bay

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Green Bay. The median salary is $49,395, compared to the national median of $49,986.$36.4K$43.8K$51.1K$58.4K$65.7K$40.5K10th Pctl$47.0K25th Pctl$49.4KMedian$50.9K75th Pctl$62.6K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

Entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians in Green Bay, WI typically start between $40,480 and $47,042 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,124 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,3951.18% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Green Bay metro area.

Return on Investment

$22,000
Avg WI Program Cost
$40,480
Starting Salary
54.35%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average veterinary technology program cost in Wisconsin of $22,000 represents just 54.35% of the starting veterinary technologist and technician pay ($40,480/year) in Green Bay. 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 Green Bay

  • 1Research the Green Bay market: entry-level veterinary technologist and technician pay ranges from $40,480 to $47,042, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Green Bay, 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 Green Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Green Bay'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 Green Bay is $22,124 ( 54.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,480, experienced hygienists can earn up to $62,604.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$26,810

2025 BLS Actual

$38,370

2026 Current Est.

$40,480

2019–2027 Growth

+59.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Green Bay (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Green Bay. Baseline $26,810 in 2025, projected to $42,707 by 2027.$23.6K$29.2K$34.8K$40.3K$45.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.8K$28.4K$28.8K$31.1K$35.7K$36.4K$38.4K$40.5K$42.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$26,810Actual
2020$28,450Actual
2021$28,840Actual
2022$31,130Actual
2023$35,740Actual
2024$36,350Actual
2025$38,370Actual
2026(current)$40,480Estimated
2027$42,707Projected

Entry-level veterinary technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Green Bay, WI grew 43.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,810 in 2019 to $38,370 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,707. New graduates entering the Green Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Green Bay metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Green Bay

Employers in Green Bay looking to hire entry-level veterinary technologists and technicians typically include general practice clinics, which offer ample opportunities for new grads to gain on-the-job experience. Notably, corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl often provide structured mentorship programs and may even offer sign-on bonuses to attract talent. For those eyeing specialty hospitals, typically one or two years of general experience is a prerequisite. To boost earnings, new graduates should consider obtaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from an AVMA CVTEA-accredited program, passing the VTNE national exam, and securing a state credential such as CVT, RVT, or LVT. As the veterinary technician workforce faces significant shortages, pay for entry-level positions has seen sharp increases recently, with those pursuing VTS credentialing enjoying earning potential of $30-$45+/hr. Realistic expectations for salary growth within the first few years in Green Bay will align closely with these advancements in education and hands-on experience, positioning new techs for promising financial stability in their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Green Bay in 2026?

Entry-level veterinary technologists and technicians in Green Bay start at approximately $40,480/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $19.46/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do veterinary technologist and technician salaries grow in Green Bay?

Most veterinary technologists and technicians in Green Bay progress from the entry-level salary of $40,480 to the area median of $49,395 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $62,604 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is veterinary technology school worth it in Green Bay?

With a starting salary of $40,480/year in Green Bay and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new veterinary technologists and technicians recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new veterinary technologists and technicians make right out of school in Green Bay?

New veterinary technology graduates in Green Bay typically start near the 10th percentile at $40,480/year, or approximately $19.46/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a veterinary technologist and technician in Wisconsin?

To become a licensed veterinary technologist and technician in Wisconsin, you typically need an associate degree in veterinary technology from an accredited program. from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Wisconsin, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some veterinary technologists and technicians pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 Green Bay. 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

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