Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Traverse City, MI: $50,904 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Traverse City, MI earns a median $50,904/year (≈ $24.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Traverse City's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $54,517 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Traverse City, Michigan, the landscape of compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians reflects a substantial median annual salary of $50,904, slightly above the national average of $49,986. This sector broadly displays a salary range from $38,856 at the lower percentile to $67,298 for those in the higher echelon, emphasizing the varied opportunities within this profession. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicate a promising path for individuals pursuing careers in veterinary technology. As specialty hospitals generally offer more competitive pay than general practice settings, those who seek employment in specialized fields may find greater financial rewards—a vital insight for job seekers in Traverse City.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,856 | $18.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,717 | $20.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,904 | $24.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,298 | $32.36 |
Median Salary Position
1.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Traverse City
In Traverse City, MI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,442 (2026 est.). At $50,904, the local median is 1.84% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Traverse City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Traverse City Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Traverse City median: $50,904/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Traverse City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $52,263 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.84% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Traverse City, MI earn a median of $50,904 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.84% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.60% below the Michigan state average of $52,263.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Traverse City has a cost of living 6.63% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Traverse City, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.372 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,904 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,517 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,969
2025 BLS Actual
$48,250
2026 Current Est.
$50,904
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Traverse City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,543 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,904 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Traverse City metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,969 (2019) to $48,250 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,734 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Traverse City 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) | $38,856 – $42,717 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,717 – $50,904 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,904 – $61,770 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,770 – $67,298 |
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 Traverse City
Currently, Traverse City employs around 40 veterinary technologists and technicians, a promising indicator of local job market strength. The cost of living index at 93.372 suggests that while salaries may appear attractive, the take-home purchasing power is notably influenced by living expenses. Employers who tend to pay the most in the area include specialty referral hospitals, particularly those that focus on emergency care and surgery, as well as corporate entities like VCA and BluePearl. High salaries often correlate with specialized credentials such as Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), which command salaries that can reach $30-$45/hour. To maximize pay within Traverse City, aspiring technologists should pursue additional credentials, consider roles in specialty hospitals, take advantage of lead or mentor positions, and remain open to shift differentials offered at 24-hour emergency facilities. Understanding these nuances can greatly impact earning potential in the veterinary technologist and technician field.
More salary data for Traverse City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Traverse City, MI in 2026?
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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 $48,250 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Traverse City 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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