Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Laurel, MD: $51,900 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Laurel, MD earns a median $51,900/year (≈ $24.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $47,484 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel, Maryland, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $51,900 in 2026, reflecting a competitive landscape relative to the national median of $49,986. The local salary range is quite broad, spanning from $40,891 at the 10th percentile to $68,101 at the 90th percentile. This variation underscores the impact of the practice setting, with specialty hospitals typically offering higher compensation compared to general practice clinics. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, positioning Laurel as an attractive locale for those considering a career in veterinary technology amidst a backdrop of urban convenience and demand for skilled professionals.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,891 | $19.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,298 | $20.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,900 | $24.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,169 | $30.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,101 | $32.74 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,210 (2026 est.). At $51,900, the local median is 3.83% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Laurel median: $51,900/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $54,631 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +3.83% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Laurel, MD earn a median of $51,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $54,631.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,900 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,484 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,672
2025 BLS Actual
$49,194
2026 Current Est.
$51,900
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,261 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,704 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,685 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,900 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,754 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,672 (2019) to $49,194 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,754 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,082 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $40,891 – $43,298 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,298 – $51,900 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,900 – $63,169 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,169 – $68,101 |
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 Laurel
The local employment market indicates that there are currently 6 veterinary technologists and technicians operating in Laurel, MD. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, residents may find that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power is somewhat challenged. High-paying positions can often be found in specialty referral hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, with these settings generally offering pay differentials and advancement opportunities. Credentialing as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) can lead to significantly higher earnings, being able to command rates between $30 to $45 or more per hour. Pay discrepancies within the field can be attributed to factors such as specialty credentials, the corporate pay scale, experience levels, and shift differentials in emergency settings. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Laurel, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment in specialty or corporate environments would be strategically beneficial.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Laurel?
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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 $49,194 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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