Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hilo, HI: $56,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hilo, HI earns a median $56,587/year (≈ $27.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $47,433 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, HI, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median salary of $56,587 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market that surpasses the national average of $49,986 by 13.21%. The salary range for professionals in this field varies from $44,487 at the 10th percentile to $74,138 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide disparity in earning potential based on experience and specialization. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and illustrate the pay structure within corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often dominate salary scales in the area. The robust demand for skilled veterinary staff in Hilo is notable against the backdrop of a national shortage of qualified technicians.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,487 | $21.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,137 | $22.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,587 | $27.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,805 | $33.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,138 | $35.65 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,651 (2026 est.). At $56,587, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hilo median: $56,587/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $59,628 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +13.21% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hilo, HI earn a median of $56,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $59,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilo has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilo, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,587 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,433 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,984
2025 BLS Actual
$53,637
2026 Current Est.
$56,587
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,984 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,048 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,516 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,075 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,699 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $39,984 (2019) to $53,637 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,699 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,715 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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) | $44,487 – $47,137 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,137 – $56,587 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,587 – $68,805 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,805 – $74,138 |
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 Hilo
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hilo includes about seven employed professionals, creating a localized workforce that faces a higher-than-average cost of living, rated at 119.3. This increased cost can impact take-home pay, as housing and everyday expenses vary significantly from broader national averages. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals or corporate clinics generally offer higher salaries compared to general practice settings, where pay scales might lag. Factors contributing to the salary spread include the attainment of a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which can lead to pay in the top tier, and the influence of corporate pay scales. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this Hilo market, focusing on specialty certifications and pursuing positions in corporate facilities or specialty hospitals can be effective strategies for achieving higher compensation.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
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 $53,637 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hilo 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 Hilo 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