Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Amherst, MA: $50,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Amherst, MA earns a median $50,530/year (≈ $24.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $46,571 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Amherst, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $50,530, which sits slightly above the national median of $49,986. The compensation spans a salary range from $37,646 at the 10th percentile to $63,881 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying employer types and individual expertise. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local market conditions, including the higher cost of living, represented by a cost-of-living index of 108.5. The diversity of roles available in the area, such as specialty referral hospitals versus general practice clinics, contributes to the notable pay gradient within the field, shaping the job outlook for both current professionals and aspiring veterinary technologists in Amherst.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,646 | $18.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,634 | $20.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,530 | $24.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,873 | $28.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,881 | $30.71 |
Median Salary Position
1.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,235 (2026 est.). At $50,530, the local median is 1.09% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amherst Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Amherst median: $50,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $50,989 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.09% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Amherst, MA earn a median of $50,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.09% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,989.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,530 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,571 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,705
2025 BLS Actual
$47,896
2026 Current Est.
$50,530
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,705 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,655 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,656 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,216 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,896 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,309 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,705 (2019) to $47,896 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,309 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,604 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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) | $37,646 – $43,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,634 – $50,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,530 – $59,873 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,873 – $63,881 |
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 Amherst
The local job market has six veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed, indicating a steady demand for these professionals in the region. The cost of living in Amherst, being above the national average, can influence the actual purchasing power of salaries earned by these workers. Employers in the area that typically offer higher wages include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain veterinary clinics like VCA and BluePearl, which often provide pay differentials. The significant pay range can be attributed to various factors, including specialty certification via the VTS pathway in areas like emergency care, and the impact of corporate pay structures compared to independent practices. Those looking to maximize their earning potential in this market should consider obtaining specialty credentials, seeking roles in 24-hour emergency hospitals, and negotiating for shifts that offer higher pay differentials. The right strategy can substantially enhance career earnings and job satisfaction in this growing field.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Amherst?
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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 $47,896 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Amherst 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 Amherst 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