Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kahului, HI: $57,972 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kahului, HI earns a median $57,972/year (≈ $27.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kahului's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.4), that paycheck buys what $52,994 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Hawaii state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Kahului, HI, is projected to reach a median of $57,972, reflecting a significant increase compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $49,089 at the lower end (P10) to $70,980 at the upper echelon (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, indicates a healthy compensation trajectory, benefiting those who opt for roles within specialty hospitals compared to general practice settings, where pay disparities exist. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals continues to rise, especially in a region like Kahului, the potential for lucrative positions also increases.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,089 | $23.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,152 | $23.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,972 | $27.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,314 | $29.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,980 | $34.13 |
Median Salary Position
15.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kahului
In Kahului, HI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,891 (2026 est.). At $57,972, the local median is 15.98% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kahului: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kahului Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kahului median: $57,972/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kahului Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $59,642 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +15.98% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kahului, HI earn a median of $57,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.98% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Hawaii state average of $59,642.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kahului has a cost of living 9.39% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kahului, HI has a cost-of-living index of 109.393 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,972 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,994 — a 8.59% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,963
2025 BLS Actual
$54,950
2026 Current Est.
$57,972
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,963 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,053 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,972 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,161 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kahului metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $40,963 (2019) to $54,950 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,161 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,198 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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) | $49,089 – $49,152 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,152 – $57,972 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,972 – $60,314 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,314 – $70,980 |
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 Kahului
Currently, there are 30 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Kahului, suggesting a steady local job market. However, given the elevated cost-of-living index of 109.393, the purchasing power of these salaries should be carefully considered. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral hospitals tend to offer the highest compensation, taking into account factors like shift differentials and the level of specialization required. The gap in pay is often a result of credential enhancements, particularly with Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) commanding premiums for their expertise in areas like emergency care and anesthesia. Maximizing pay in this Kahului market involves pursuing VTS credentials, seeking opportunities in high-demand specialties, and leveraging corporate chains, which often adjust their pay scales to attract qualified candidates amid a workforce shortage in the veterinary field.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kahului, HI in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Kahului?
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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 $54,950 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kahului 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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