Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Urban Honolulu, HI: $50,714 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Urban Honolulu, HI earns a median $50,714/year (≈ $24.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Urban Honolulu's price level (11% above national, BEA RPP 111.0), that paycheck buys what $45,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Official BLS data · View source
To pursue a career as a veterinary technologist and technician in Urban Honolulu, HI, individuals can expect a projected median annual salary of $50,714 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $49,986. The salary range locally spans from $37,959 at the lower end to $66,338 for those in the highest earning tier. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 survey projected to 2026, reflects an emerging job market with increasing demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field, especially as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification becomes more prevalent. Those who reach credentials in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia can expect to command a higher salary, as these specialties are increasingly recognized for their value in veterinary medicine in this urban setting.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,959 | $18.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,006 | $19.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,714 | $24.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,620 | $26.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,338 | $31.89 |
Median Salary Position
1.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urban Honolulu
In Urban Honolulu, HI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,379 (2026 est.). At $50,714, the local median is 1.46% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Urban Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urban Honolulu Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Urban Honolulu median: $50,714/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urban Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $59,663 | -15.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.46% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Urban Honolulu, HI earn a median of $50,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 15.00% below the Hawaii state average of $59,663.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urban Honolulu has a cost of living 10.96% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Urban Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 110.961 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,714 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,704 — a 9.88% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,270
2025 BLS Actual
$48,070
2026 Current Est.
$50,714
2019–2027 Growth
+43.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Urban Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,710 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,714 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,503 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urban Honolulu metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 29.0% from $37,270 (2019) to $48,070 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,503 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,233 (43.56%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urban 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) | $37,959 – $40,006 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,006 – $50,714 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,714 – $55,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,620 – $66,338 |
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 Urban Honolulu
The job market in Urban Honolulu remains robust, employing approximately 190 veterinary technologists and technicians, even as the cost-of-living index indicates a higher than average economic climate at 110.961. This elevated cost poses challenges for take-home pay, making it essential for veterinarians to seek out employment opportunities that provide the best compensation packages. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer competitive salaries, but specialty referral hospitals, particularly in emergency and critical care, remain top-tier employers. Salary disparities can be attributed to various factors, including the acquisition of VTS credentials, differences in corporate pay scales, and the nature of the working environment. To enhance their earning potential, technicians in Urban Honolulu should consider further specialization, negotiate for higher wages where possible, and explore opportunities in sectors that offer significant pay differentials.
More salary data for Urban Honolulu, 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 $48,070 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Urban 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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