Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kailua, HI: $59,114 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kailua, HI earns a median $59,114/year (≈ $28.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kailua's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $49,551 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, Hawaii, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is $59,114 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $49,986. Earnings range from a lower tier of $45,795 to a higher tier of $76,687, illustrating a diverse pay scale influenced by the growing demand for specialized skills, such as veterinary technician specialists (VTS) in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors, underscoring Kailua's unique veterinary market that prioritizes advanced credentials. The pathway to a VTS credential not only enhances an individual's earning potential but also positions them favorably in a competitive job market eager for qualified professionals.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,795 | $22.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,787 | $23.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,114 | $28.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,369 | $34.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,687 | $36.87 |
Median Salary Position
18.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
In Kailua, HI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,892 (2026 est.). At $59,114, the local median is 18.26% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Kailua: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kailua Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kailua median: $59,114/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kailua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $59,651 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +18.26% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kailua, HI earn a median of $59,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $59,651.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kailua has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kailua, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,114 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,551 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,770
2025 BLS Actual
$56,032
2026 Current Est.
$59,114
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,881 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,223 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,401 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,114 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,365 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kailua metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $41,770 (2019) to $56,032 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,365 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,595 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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) | $45,795 – $48,787 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,787 – $59,114 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,114 – $71,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,369 – $76,687 |
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 Kailua
The local employment landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kailua is relatively small, with only six professionals currently employed in the area. However, this tight job market is complemented by a cost-of-living index of 119.3, which indicates that while salaries are better than the national average, the increased living expenses can affect overall purchasing power. Various employers, including specialty hospitals and corporate veterinary chains, typically offer higher salaries, especially for roles requiring VTS credentials or shifts in 24-hour emergency settings. This wage variability stems from factors such as the specific demands of specialty practices compared to general clinics, as well as the tiered pay scales common in corporate structures. To maximize earnings in Kailua, pursuing VTS specialization and seeking opportunities in high-demand settings can lead to positions offering premium compensation, with top earners making $30 to $45 per hour or more.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Kailua?
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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 $56,032 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kailua 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 Kailua 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