Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Reno, NV: $61,359 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Reno, NV earns a median $61,359/year (≈ $29.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Reno's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.0), that paycheck buys what $60,743 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 24.9% above the Nevada state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Reno, NV are projected to earn a median annual salary of $61,359, significantly higher than the national median of $49,986, reflecting a 22.75% premium for local professionals. The salary range extends from $37,252 at the lower end to $70,221 for those at the upper end, highlighting diversity in compensation based on experience and job functions. Official BLS OEWS surveys indicate that those employed in specialty hospitals can expect to command higher salaries than their counterparts in general practice settings, underscoring a clear pay gradient influenced by the nature of the veterinary practice. As Reno's job market continues to evolve, the growing demand for qualified veterinary staff suggests a robust pathway for both entry-level and specialized technicians in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,252 | $17.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,695 | $24.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,359 | $29.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,480 | $32.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,221 | $33.76 |
Median Salary Position
22.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reno
In Reno, NV, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,969 (2026 est.). At $61,359, the local median is 22.75% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Reno: You'd be above the median
How Reno Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Reno median: $61,359/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $49,126 | +24.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +22.75% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Reno, NV earn a median of $61,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.75% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 24.90% above the Nevada state average of $49,126.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reno has a cost of living 1.01% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reno, NV has a cost-of-living index of 101.014 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,359 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,743 — a 1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,390
2025 BLS Actual
$58,160
2026 Current Est.
$61,359
2019–2027 Growth
+39.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,359 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,734 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reno metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 25.4% from $46,390 (2019) to $58,160 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,734 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,344 (39.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reno 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) | $37,252 – $51,695 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,695 – $61,359 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,359 – $68,480 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,480 – $70,221 |
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 Reno
Currently, there are approximately 280 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Reno, making it a competitive yet rewarding market for aspiring professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 101.014, the area's economic landscape slightly exceeds national averages, which influences the take-home purchasing power of the salaries earned. Veterinary practices, corporate chain hospitals, and specialty referral hospitals such as surgery and emergency care are among the employers that offer the most competitive pay, often driven by the need for advanced skills like those validated through VTS specialty credentials. Factors that contribute to the wide salary gap include the differentials observed in corporate tier structures, such as those at VCA and BluePearl, and various compensatory aspects like lead roles or shift differentials in 24-hour emergency clinics. For those seeking to maximize their earnings potential in Reno, pursuing continued education and specialty certifications can be highly beneficial in this growing field.
More salary data for Reno, NV:
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 $58,160 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Reno 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, 7-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