Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Chelsea, MA: $50,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Chelsea, MA earns a median $50,526/year (≈ $24.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $46,568 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a veterinary technologist or technician in Chelsea, Massachusetts, the 2026 projected median annual salary stands at $50,526. This figure is slightly above the national median of $49,986, reflecting the local market's competitive nature, especially given the presence of corporate veterinary chains such as VCA and BluePearl that influence pay scales. The salary range for this role extends from $39,103 at the 10th percentile to $63,742 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a wide disparity that caters to varying levels of experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and accounting for local cost adjustments, provide an insightful overview of how much veterinary technologists and technicians can anticipate earning in Chelsea.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,103 | $18.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,670 | $20.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,526 | $24.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,902 | $28.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,742 | $30.65 |
Median Salary Position
1.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,639 (2026 est.). At $50,526, the local median is 1.08% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $50,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $50,985 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.08% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $50,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,985.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,526 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,568 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,702
2025 BLS Actual
$47,892
2026 Current Est.
$50,526
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,702 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,653 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,213 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,305 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,702 (2019) to $47,892 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,305 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,603 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $39,103 – $41,670 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,670 – $50,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,526 – $59,902 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,902 – $63,742 |
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 Chelsea
Given the limited employment landscape in Chelsea, with just six veterinary technologists and technicians currently in the area, the demand for skilled professionals remains critical, especially in light of a national workforce shortage. The local cost of living index sits at 108.5, which means that while salaries may appear attractive, the higher living expenses could impact take-home purchasing power. In terms of potential earnings, specialty hospitals often pay the highest wages compared to general practice clinics or corporate chains, driven by the specialized credentials such as VTS in emergency and critical care or anesthesia. For those aiming to maximize their pay in Chelsea, pursuing advanced certifications, seeking employment in specialty environments, or engaging in roles with leadership responsibilities are practical strategies to elevate earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chelsea, MA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Chelsea?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Chelsea?
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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 $47,892 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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