Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waltham, MA: $49,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waltham, MA earns a median $49,621/year (≈ $23.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,734 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Waltham, Massachusetts can expect a median annual salary of $49,621 in 2026, highlighting a subtle deviation from the national median of $49,986. The compensation for professionals in this field ranges from $38,209 at the lower end to a high of $65,799 for the most experienced. These figures reflect localized estimates derived from state-level BLS data, considering regional price variations that impact a vet tech's buying power. Waltham's market, influenced by large corporate players like VCA and BluePearl, shows how competitive pay structures can emerge in a city with a small workforce, where specific skills and specializations play a significant role in setting salary expectations.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,209 | $18.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,986 | $19.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,621 | $23.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,460 | $29.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,799 | $31.64 |
Median Salary Position
0.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,590 (2026 est.). At $49,621, the local median is 0.73% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waltham Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waltham median: $49,621/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $50,998 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.73% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waltham, MA earn a median of $49,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,998.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,621 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,734 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,062
2025 BLS Actual
$47,034
2026 Current Est.
$49,621
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,062 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,581 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,961 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,421 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,350 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,062 (2019) to $47,034 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,350 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,288 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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) | $38,209 – $40,986 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,986 – $49,621 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,621 – $61,460 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,460 – $65,799 |
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 Waltham
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently 11 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Waltham, MA. The Cost of Living Index stands at 108.5, suggesting that professionals need to consider living costs when assessing their salary's value. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals tend to offer the highest wages, especially for those holding advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in specialized areas such as emergency and critical care, which commands top-tier compensation. Factors driving wage disparities include specialty credentials, differences in pay scales among corporate vs. general practice settings, and compensation for leadership roles. To maximize earnings, pursuing specialization and aligning with employers who value such credentials, like teaching hospitals and specialty referral facilities, proves crucial as demand in the veterinary workforce continues to grow.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waltham, MA in 2026?
Is Waltham, MA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Waltham?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Waltham?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Waltham?
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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 $47,034 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waltham 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 Waltham 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