Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Bear, DE: $48,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Bear, DE earns a median $48,716/year (≈ $23.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Bear's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $47,902 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $48,716 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $49,986. The salary range here spans from $38,791 at the lower end (P10) to $59,374 for those at the upper tier (P90). This variation in pay reflects the different types of veterinary settings available, with specialty hospitals generally offering higher compensation than general practice clinics due to their advanced procedures and specialized care. Local salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, making Bear's market for these professionals both competitive and reflective of broader national trends.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,791 | $18.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,692 | $19.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,716 | $23.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,778 | $27.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,374 | $28.55 |
Median Salary Position
2.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bear
In Bear, DE, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,583 (2026 est.). At $48,716, the local median is 2.54% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bear: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bear Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bear median: $48,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bear Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $50,851 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.54% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bear, DE earn a median of $48,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $50,851.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bear has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bear, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,716 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,902 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,422
2025 BLS Actual
$46,176
2026 Current Est.
$48,716
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,339 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,268 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,984 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,176 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,395 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bear metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,422 (2019) to $46,176 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,395 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,973 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bear 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,791 – $40,692 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,692 – $48,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,716 – $56,778 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,778 – $59,374 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Bear
Currently, there are six veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Bear, DE, resulting in a tight job market where demand may outstrips supply. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 101.7, indicating that while salaries might offer some level of comfort, the expenses are still slightly above the national average, impacting take-home pay. Employers who typically pay the highest wages include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. This pay differential is often driven by credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) and the choice between working in a general practice versus a specialty setting, with roles that demand advanced skills in emergency care or anesthesia commanding top-tier salaries. To maximize earning potential in Bear, pursuing VTS credentials or gaining experience in high-demand specialties will be crucial, as will being flexible to opportunities within corporate or specialty environments, where additional pay scales and shift differentials can significantly enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,176 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Bear metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bear 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