Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waterford, MI: $50,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waterford, MI earns a median $50,992/year (≈ $24.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waterford's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $54,712 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterford, Michigan, can expect a median annual salary of $50,992, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $49,986. The projected salary range spans from $39,493 at the 10th percentile to $67,903 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse income potential depending on qualifications and experience. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, indicate a job market where specialized credentials, such as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, can significantly impact earning potential. Those pursuing these extra certifications may find themselves in a favorable position, as the ongoing vet tech workforce shortage intensifies demand for highly skilled professionals in the region.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,493 | $18.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,291 | $20.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,992 | $24.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,214 | $29.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,903 | $32.64 |
Median Salary Position
2.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterford
In Waterford, MI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,410 (2026 est.). At $50,992, the local median is 2.01% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterford Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waterford median: $50,992/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $52,246 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.01% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waterford, MI earn a median of $50,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.01% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $52,246.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterford 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.
Waterford, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,992 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,712 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,031
2025 BLS Actual
$48,334
2026 Current Est.
$50,992
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,561 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterford metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,031 (2019) to $48,334 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,766 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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) | $39,493 – $42,291 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,291 – $50,992 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,992 – $62,214 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,214 – $67,903 |
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 Waterford
The employment landscape in Waterford reveals that there are currently 16 veterinary technologists and technicians in the area, showcasing steady local engagement. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, Waterford offers a relatively affordable lifestyle, which positively affects overall take-home pay. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals, corporate chain facilities like VCA and BluePearl, and university teaching hospitals typically offer the highest pay rates. The variation in salaries can stem from several factors, including whether one holds VTS credentials, particular employer pay scales, and the nature of the work setting, whether it's a fast-paced emergency hospital or a general practice clinic. For those eager to maximize their pay in Waterford, obtaining VTS certification and seeking positions in specialized or corporate environments can prove advantageous, especially as the demand for advanced skill sets continues to rise in this evolving market.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Waterford?
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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 $48,334 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waterford 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 Waterford 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