Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Chicopee, MA: $50,736 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Chicopee, MA earns a median $50,736/year (≈ $24.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Chicopee's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $46,761 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Massachusetts state average.

$50,736
Median Annual Salary
$24.39/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$36,801
Entry Level (P10)
$69,518
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Chicopee, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Chicopee, MA veterinary technologist and technician salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicopee, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $50,736, slightly above the national median of $49,986. This pay range indicates that newcomers to the field can expect to start at approximately $36,801 (10th percentile) while more experienced individuals could earn up to $69,518 (90th percentile) annually. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, reflect local economic conditions and the higher cost of living in Chicopee with a cost-of-living index of 108.5. Within the local job market, achieving a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia, can significantly enhance earning potential and job opportunities, underscoring the demand for specialized skills in the city.

About the Chicopee Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$36,801$17.69
Lower Range (P25)$40,207$19.33
Median (P50)(typical)$50,736$24.39
Upper Range (P75)$61,141$29.39
Top Earners (P90)$69,518$33.42

Median Salary Position

$36,801$69,518
City Median: $50,736
National: $49,986
P10–P90 Range

1.50% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicopee

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for veterinary technologist and technicians in Chicopee. The median salary is $50,736, compared to the national median of $49,986.$33.1K$43.1K$53.1K$63.0K$73.0K$36.8K10th Pctl$40.2K25th Pctl$50.7KMedian$61.1K75th Pctl$69.5K90th PctlUS Median$50.0K

In Chicopee, MA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,717 (2026 est.). At $50,736, the local median is 1.5% above the national median of $49,986.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of veterinary technologist and technician pay in the Chicopee metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$976
per week
$4,228
per month
$50,735
per year

At 40 hours/week in Chicopee: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Chicopee Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares

Chicopee median: $50,736/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryChicopee Pays
Massachusetts Average$50,991-0.50% less
National Average$49,986+1.50% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Chicopee ($50,736) with Massachusetts average ($50,991) and the US national median ($49,986).Chicopee$50,736Massachusetts Avg$50,991-0.50%US National$49,986+1.50%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Chicopee, MA earn a median of $50,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.50% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,991.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$50,736
Nominal Salary
108.5
CoL Index
$46,761
Adjusted Salary

Chicopee has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $50,736. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the purchasing-power equivalent is $46,761, a loss of $3,975.$39.7K$44.4K$49.0K$53.7K$58.3K$50,736NominalSalary$46,761CoL Adjusted(CoL: 108.5) -7.83%US Median $50.0K

Chicopee, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,736 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,761 — a 7.83% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$35,850

2025 BLS Actual

$48,091

2026 Current Est.

$50,736

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chicopee (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicopee. Baseline $35,850 in 2025, projected to $53,526 by 2027.$32.2K$38.6K$44.9K$51.3K$57.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$35.9K$36.8K$37.4K$38.8K$44.4K$54.0K$48.1K$50.7K$53.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$35,850Actual
2020$36,804Actual
2021$37,403Actual
2022$38,814Actual
2023$44,396Actual
2024$53,976Actual
2025$48,091Actual
2026(current)$50,736Estimated
2027$53,526Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicopee metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,850 (2019) to $48,091 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,526 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,676 (49.31%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicopee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$36,801$40,207
3-5 years (Mid Career)$40,207$50,736
5+ years (Experienced)$50,736$61,141
10+ years (Top Earner)$61,141$69,518

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 Chicopee

Examining the job landscape, there are currently 10 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Chicopee, indicating a modest but stable market for this profession. The higher cost of living demands that salaries remain competitive to ensure take-home pay meets local needs. Employers that rank among the highest payers in the area typically include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain clinics, such as VCA and BluePearl, which often provide better compensation packages reflecting their tiered pay scales. The disparity in wages is influenced by multiple factors, including the VTS specialty certification, which commands higher salaries, and the differing roles between general practices and specialty facilities. Technologists aspiring to maximize their pay should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions in emergency clinics or specialty hospitals that offer shift differentials and lead technician roles for enhanced compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chicopee, MA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Chicopee is $50,736/year ($24.39/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Salaries range from $36,801 at entry level (10th percentile) to $69,518 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Chicopee at 1.5% above the national median. Full-time veterinary technologists and technicians typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Chicopee, MA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Chicopee veterinary technologist and technician salaries are 1.5% above the national average and 0.5% below the Massachusetts state average. The metro area employs approximately 10 veterinary technologists and technicians. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Chicopee?

The median veterinary technologist and technician salary in Chicopee is $50,736, and the 90th percentile earns $69,518. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Chicopee?

After adjusting for Chicopee's cost-of-living index of 108.5 (where 100 equals the national average), the $50,736 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $46,761 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Chicopee reduce the effective value of your salary by 7.8% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Chicopee?

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chicopee earn a median hourly rate of $24.39, which translates to approximately $50,736/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $17.69 for entry-level positions to $33.42 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 $48,091 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Chicopee 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 Chicopee is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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