Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $58,112 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $58,112/year (≈ $27.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $50,444 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabeth, NJ, can expect a median salary of $58,112 in 2026, representing a notable increase compared to the national median of $49,986 for the same year. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $45,116 and experienced technicians earning up to $80,524. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflecting both the cost of living and demand for qualified professionals in the area. The differences in pay are largely influenced by the choice between employment in general practice versus specialty hospitals, with evidence suggesting that those in specialized settings often command higher salaries due to the advanced skills required in high-pressure environments.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,116 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,647 | $23.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,112 | $27.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,552 | $34.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,524 | $38.72 |
Median Salary Position
16.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,408 (2026 est.). At $58,112, the local median is 16.26% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $58,112/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,593 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +16.26% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $58,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $57,593.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,112 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,444 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,062
2025 BLS Actual
$55,082
2026 Current Est.
$58,112
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,062 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,154 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,456 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,112 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,308 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $41,062 (2019) to $55,082 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,308 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,246 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $45,116 – $48,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,647 – $58,112 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,112 – $72,552 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,552 – $80,524 |
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 Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, the local job market employs 25 veterinary technologists and technicians, contributing to a competitive environment for professionals in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, individuals must consider how this affects their take-home purchasing power. The highest-paying opportunities tend to be within specialty referral hospitals, such as those focused on emergency and critical care or advanced surgical procedures. The pay gap between lower and higher salaries is driven by factors including specialty credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), as well as differences between corporate chain hospitals and private practices. For those aiming to maximize pay, pursuing specialty certification can be invaluable, as VTS credential holders are often able to command hourly rates above $30, with the most skilled technicians reaching $45 or more in select roles.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Elizabeth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Elizabeth?
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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 $55,082 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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