Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Muskegon, MI: $50,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Muskegon, MI earns a median $50,928/year (≈ $24.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $54,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Muskegon, MI, is set at $50,928, slightly above the national median of $49,986, marking a 1.88% increase. Salaries in this field range from $38,062 at the 10th percentile to $64,526 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for significant earnings, particularly for those who pursue specialty credentials such as Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia. These certifications not only enhance the skill set but also lead to commanding salaries closer to the top of the pay scale, reflecting greater responsibilities and specialized knowledge in this vital area of veterinary care. The local estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, adjusted for Muskegon's regional cost of living, which impacts the overall compensation landscape heavily.
About the Muskegon Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,062 | $18.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,964 | $19.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,928 | $24.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,431 | $29.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,526 | $31.02 |
Median Salary Position
1.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,464 (2026 est.). At $50,928, the local median is 1.88% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muskegon Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $50,928/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $52,234 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.88% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $50,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $52,234.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon 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.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,928 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,644 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,986
2025 BLS Actual
$48,273
2026 Current Est.
$50,928
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,986 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,943 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,545 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,273 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,729 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,986 (2019) to $48,273 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,729 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,743 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $38,062 – $40,964 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,964 – $50,928 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,928 – $60,431 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,431 – $64,526 |
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 Muskegon
Currently, there are seven veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Muskegon, indicating a niche market for professionals in this field amidst a backdrop of increasing demand. The cost of living index in the area stands at 93.2, below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay can stretch further than in cities with higher costs. Employers such as specialty hospitals or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl typically offer the most competitive salaries. In this market, candidates with VTS credentials often benefit the most, as specialties in ECC, internal medicine, and anesthesia frequently command the highest compensation rates. Additionally, advancements such as shift differentials at emergency hospitals and leadership roles within practices can boost income significantly. For those looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking positions at higher-paying employers can effectively enhance their financial opportunities in Muskegon.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Muskegon, MI in 2026?
Is Muskegon, MI a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Muskegon?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Muskegon?
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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 $48,273 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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