Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Kentwood, MI: $54,323 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Kentwood, MI earns a median $54,323/year (≈ $26.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Kentwood's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $58,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kentwood, Michigan, the salary for veterinary technologists and technicians reflects a growing recognition of their specialized skills, particularly for those pursuing advanced certifications like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $54,323, which is approximately 8.68% above the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these roles spans from $41,774 at the lower end to $71,825 for the highest earners, underscoring the potential for increased compensation through specialization and experience. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost factors, ultimately shaping a competitive job market for Kentwood's veterinary professionals.
About the Kentwood Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,774 | $20.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,828 | $21.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,323 | $26.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,137 | $31.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,825 | $34.53 |
Median Salary Position
8.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kentwood
In Kentwood, MI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,051 (2026 est.). At $54,323, the local median is 8.68% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kentwood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Kentwood median: $54,323/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kentwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $52,234 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +8.68% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Kentwood, MI earn a median of $54,323 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.68% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% above the Michigan state average of $52,234.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kentwood 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.
Kentwood, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $54,323 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,286 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,385
2025 BLS Actual
$51,491
2026 Current Est.
$54,323
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,406 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,558 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,535 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,491 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,323 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,311 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentwood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $38,385 (2019) to $51,491 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,311 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,926 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentwood 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) | $41,774 – $44,828 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,828 – $54,323 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,323 – $66,137 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,137 – $71,825 |
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 Kentwood
The job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kentwood is relatively small but growing, with only seven individuals employed in this field. The cost of living index in the area is 93.2, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the overall purchasing power for workers. Notably, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer higher pay scales compared to general practice clinics. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to various factors including VTS specialty credentials, pay structures in corporate vs. specialty practices, and additional shifts available at emergency hospitals. To maximize earning potential, professionals in Kentwood should consider obtaining specialty certifications or seeking positions in high-paying corporate environments, as these avenues often lead to more significant pay increases and career advancement opportunities within the veterinary field.
More salary data for Kentwood, MI:
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 $51,491 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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