Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Dearborn Heights, MI: $52,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Dearborn Heights, MI earns a median $52,214/year (≈ $25.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Dearborn Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $56,024 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dearborn Heights, MI, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is $52,214, reflecting a competitive value that outpaces the national median of $49,986 by about 4.46%. Professionals in this field can expect to earn between $38,234 at entry-level positions (P10) to as much as $71,994 for those in the highest-paying roles (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the potential for significantly increased earning capacity, particularly for those who pursue VTS specialty credentials in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. This advancement can open doors to the top echelon of pay in the local market, indicating a growing recognition of specialized skills among employers in Dearborn Heights.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,234 | $18.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,649 | $20.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,214 | $25.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,051 | $29.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,994 | $34.61 |
Median Salary Position
4.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dearborn Heights
In Dearborn Heights, MI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,760 (2026 est.). At $52,214, the local median is 4.46% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Dearborn Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dearborn Heights Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Dearborn Heights median: $52,214/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dearborn Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $52,266 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +4.46% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $52,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $52,266.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dearborn Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dearborn Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $52,214 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,024 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,894
2025 BLS Actual
$49,492
2026 Current Est.
$52,214
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,493 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,492 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,086 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dearborn Heights metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,894 (2019) to $49,492 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,086 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,192 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn Heights 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) | $38,234 – $41,649 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,649 – $52,214 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,214 – $62,051 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,051 – $71,994 |
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 Dearborn Heights
The local job market shows a modest employment pool, with just 13 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Dearborn Heights. The cost of living index here is 93.2, suggesting that while salaries may not completely align with some higher-cost areas, the purchasing power remains viable for residents—making the salary for veterinary technologists and technicians relatively favorable for the area. Corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer robust pay scales in line with industry trends, especially for specialized roles, while general practice settings generally yield lower pay. Factors contributing to salary variability include the demand for VTS-credentialed technicians, the tiered pay structures of corporate veterinary practices, and the potential for shift differentials at emergency facilities. To maximize compensation, focus on obtaining specialty certifications and consider seeking employment in higher-paying establishments, as this can substantially enhance both salary and career progression within Dearborn Heights.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dearborn Heights, MI in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Dearborn Heights?
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How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Dearborn Heights?
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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 $49,492 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights 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