Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Honolulu, HI: $63,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Honolulu, HI earns a median $63,453/year (≈ $30.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $53,188 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, the projected 2026 salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is estimated at $63,453, which marks a significant 26.94% premium over the national median of $49,986. With a salary range spanning from $44,645 at the 10th percentile to $85,747 at the 90th percentile, professionals in this field have the potential to earn competitive wages that reflect local cost adjustments derived from BLS state-level data. Pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in areas such as emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC) or anesthesia can further bolster earning potential in this market, as specialized skills are increasingly in demand within Honolulu’s veterinary community.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,645 | $21.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,698 | $23.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,453 | $30.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,011 | $37.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,747 | $41.23 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,102 (2026 est.). At $63,453, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $63,453/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $59,636 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +26.94% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $63,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $59,636.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,453 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,188 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,836
2025 BLS Actual
$60,145
2026 Current Est.
$63,453
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,836 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,029 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,778 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,524 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,394 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $44,836 (2019) to $60,145 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,107 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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) | $44,645 – $49,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,698 – $63,453 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,453 – $79,011 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,011 – $85,747 |
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 Honolulu
Currently, 68 veterinary technologists and technicians are employed locally, which speaks to the relatively small yet stable job market for this profession. The cost of living index in Honolulu is notably higher, at 119.3, suggesting that while salaries are robust, take-home pay may not stretch as far as in other regions. Positions in specialty referral hospitals, including emergency care and oncology, typically offer higher compensation compared to general practice clinics. Factors such as VTS credentials, the tiered pay structures often seen in corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and various roles within 24-hour emergency facilities significantly influence disparities in pay. To maximize earnings, aspiring professionals should consider pursuing specialized certifications, seeking employment in high-paying sectors, and leveraging mentorship opportunities to advance their careers in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Honolulu, HI in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Honolulu?
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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 $60,145 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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