Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Berkeley, NJ: $56,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Berkeley, NJ earns a median $56,413/year (≈ $27.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $48,970 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Berkeley, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $56,413 in 2026, which represents a remarkable 12.86% increase over the national median of $49,986. Salaries in this field range from $42,408 at the lower end to $75,521 at the high end, reflecting diverse career opportunities based on training and specialization. Notably, those who pursue the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia may find themselves at the upper tier of this salary spectrum, enhancing their earning potential significantly. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living conditions. In the context of the veterinary workforce shortage, achieving a VTS can be a strategic move for those looking to maximize their career growth and financial rewards in Berkeley.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,408 | $20.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,733 | $21.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,413 | $27.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,070 | $31.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,521 | $36.31 |
Median Salary Position
12.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,113 (2026 est.). At $56,413, the local median is 12.86% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $56,413/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,564 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +12.86% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $56,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $57,564.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,413 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,970 — a 13.19% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$39,861
2025 BLS Actual
$53,472
2026 Current Est.
$56,413
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,861 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,922 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,588 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,914 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,516 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $39,861 (2019) to $53,472 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,516 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,655 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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) | $42,408 – $45,733 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,733 – $56,413 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,413 – $66,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,070 – $75,521 |
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 Berkeley
Examining the job market in Berkeley reveals that there are currently seven veterinary technologists and technicians employed locally. This small workforce faces a cost-of-living index of 115.2, indicating that while salary figures may seem competitive, actual purchasing power is influenced by local living expenses. Employers that tend to offer higher pay include specialty referral hospitals, which are more likely to provide compensation aligned with the scope of services offered, such as surgery or oncology care. The disparity in wages can be attributed to several factors, including the level of specialization, the employer's type (general practice vs. corporate chain hospitals), and any leadership or mentoring roles assumed by employees. For those looking to boost their earnings in this specific market, seeking out specialty certifications, negotiating pay during hiring, and considering positions in high-demand practice areas can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Berkeley, NJ in 2026?
Is Berkeley, NJ a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Berkeley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Berkeley?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Berkeley?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 $53,472 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Berkeley 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 Berkeley 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