Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Salem, MA: $49,133 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Salem, MA earns a median $49,133/year (≈ $23.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Salem's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Salem, MA is projected to be $49,133 annually, slightly below the national median of $49,986. This market comprises a salary range from $39,795 at the 10th percentile to $65,806 at the 90th percentile, indicating that while entry-level positions may offer modest pay, experienced technicians in specialized environments can command significantly higher salaries. This local compensation data is derived from 2025 BLS state-level estimates adjusted for regional price variations. Given the presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl in the area, Salem's job market reflects a competitive environment for veterinary technicians, which may enhance salary prospects as demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,795 | $19.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,838 | $20.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,133 | $23.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,675 | $27.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,806 | $31.64 |
Median Salary Position
1.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, MA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,011 (2026 est.). At $49,133, the local median is 1.71% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Salem median: $49,133/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $50,968 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.71% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Salem, MA earn a median of $49,133 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,968.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,133 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,284 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,718
2025 BLS Actual
$46,572
2026 Current Est.
$49,133
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,718 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,642 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,588 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,994 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,572 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,133 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,836 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,718 (2019) to $46,572 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,118 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $39,795 – $41,838 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,838 – $49,133 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,133 – $57,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,675 – $65,806 |
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 Salem
Among the eight veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Salem, the cost of living index of 108.5 suggests that salaries should be viewed in light of local expenses, which are above the national average. Corporate veterinary hospitals like VCA and BluePearl represent some of the higher-paying employers, especially for those who hold advanced qualifications or VTS credentials in specialty areas. The disparity in average earnings can be attributed to various factors, including specialty certification in emergency care or anesthesia, as well as the different pay grades applicable within corporate environments versus general practice settings. To maximize earning potential in this market, pursuing further education, particularly in specialized fields, can lead to higher wages, alongside seeking out positions in specialty hospitals or emergency care facilities where shift differentials and mentorship roles may offer additional financial benefits.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $46,572 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Salem 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 Salem 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