Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Dearborn, MI: $55,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Dearborn, MI earns a median $55,731/year (≈ $26.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Dearborn's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $59,797 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those exploring the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Dearborn, MI, the projected median annual income is $55,731 in 2026. This figure is considerably higher than the national median of $49,986, representing a 11.49% increase. Salaries within the local market span from $43,115 at the 10th percentile to $76,590 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the variance in pay rates among positions. These estimates derive from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost factors, positioning Dearborn as a competitive market for veterinary professionals. The presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl likely influences the pay scale, affecting compensation strategies and employment opportunities for local veterinary technologists and technicians.
About the Dearborn Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,115 | $20.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,161 | $21.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,731 | $26.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,376 | $33.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,590 | $36.82 |
Median Salary Position
11.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dearborn
In Dearborn, MI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,475 (2026 est.). At $55,731, the local median is 11.49% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dearborn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dearborn Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Dearborn median: $55,731/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dearborn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $52,232 | +6.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +11.49% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Dearborn, MI earn a median of $55,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.70% above the Michigan state average of $52,232.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dearborn 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, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $55,731 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,797 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$39,380
2025 BLS Actual
$52,826
2026 Current Est.
$55,731
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,428 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,635 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,586 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,826 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dearborn metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $39,380 (2019) to $52,826 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,417 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn 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) | $43,115 – $45,161 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,161 – $55,731 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,731 – $69,376 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,376 – $76,590 |
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
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dearborn is robust, with 19 professionals currently employed in the area. However, this number is small in relation to demand, particularly amid a nationwide technician workforce shortage. With a cost of living index at 93.2, the take-home purchasing power for these professionals remains favorable compared to many other regions. Corporate chain hospitals tend to offer the highest salaries, especially as they adhere to structured pay scales that can significantly alter earnings. The salary gap between lower and higher wage earners can be attributed to factors such as specialty credentials, which can elevate pay rates, and the distinctions between general practice and specialty hospitals, where specialized roles command premiums. For those in Dearborn looking to maximize their pay, pursuing further education or certification toward a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) role can substantially enhance earning potential, as these credentials open doors to higher wage brackets and sought-after positions.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dearborn, MI in 2026?
Is Dearborn, MI a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Dearborn?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Dearborn?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Dearborn?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 $52,826 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Dearborn 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 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