Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waipahu, HI: $58,434 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waipahu, HI earns a median $58,434/year (≈ $28.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $48,981 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The veterinary technologist and technician pay in Waipahu, HI, is projected to be quite competitive in 2026, with an estimated median annual salary of $58,434. This figure reflects a robust job market, particularly as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl continue to establish a strong presence in the area. Salaries in Waipahu are expected to range significantly from $44,197 at the lower tenth percentile to as high as $78,254 at the ninetieth percentile. The local salary estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, indicate that early-career professionals can still earn respectable amounts while seasoned technicians garner higher salaries, driven by both experience and specialized skills.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,197 | $21.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,388 | $22.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,434 | $28.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,454 | $32.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,254 | $37.62 |
Median Salary Position
16.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,057 (2026 est.). At $58,434, the local median is 16.9% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $58,434/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $59,627 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +16.90% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $58,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $59,627.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,434 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,981 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,290
2025 BLS Actual
$55,388
2026 Current Est.
$58,434
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,703 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,775 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,434 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,648 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $41,290 (2019) to $55,388 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,648 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,358 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $44,197 – $47,388 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,388 – $58,434 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,434 – $68,454 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,454 – $78,254 |
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 Waipahu
With only nine veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Waipahu, the job market reflects a unique blend of opportunity and competition. The cost of living index in Waipahu stands at 119.3, which suggests that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power might be impacted by the increased living expenses. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals often offer the best pay, particularly for those in specialized fields such as emergency care or anesthesia. The significant salary spread in this market is influenced by various factors, including the presence of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) roles, the tiered pay scale common in corporate environments, and opportunities for advancement in specialty hospitals versus general practices. To maximize pay, aspiring technicians should consider pursuing VTS credentials and seeking employment in high-demand specialties or established corporate facilities, ensuring they leverage their skills to command higher compensation.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waipahu, HI in 2026?
Is Waipahu, HI a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Waipahu?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Waipahu?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Waipahu?
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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 $55,388 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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