Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hackensack, NJ: $55,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hackensack, NJ earns a median $55,256/year (≈ $26.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hackensack's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $47,965 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hackensack, New Jersey, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 stands at $55,256, which is approximately 10.54% above the national median of $49,986. Compensation in this sector ranges from $44,440 at the 10th percentile to $71,613 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse compensation levels rooted in various practice types. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate that this market sits within a competitive pay scale notably influenced by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, as well as specialty hospitals. Given Hackensack's healthcare landscape, job opportunities for these professionals are stabilized due to a growing demand in veterinary care.
About the Hackensack Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,440 | $21.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,766 | $22.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,256 | $26.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,637 | $31.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,613 | $34.42 |
Median Salary Position
10.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hackensack
In Hackensack, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,173 (2026 est.). At $55,256, the local median is 10.54% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Hackensack: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hackensack Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hackensack median: $55,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hackensack Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,558 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +10.54% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hackensack, NJ earn a median of $55,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the New Jersey state average of $57,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hackensack has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hackensack, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,256 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,965 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,044
2025 BLS Actual
$52,375
2026 Current Est.
$55,256
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hackensack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,044 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,083 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,735 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,271 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,351 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,849 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,375 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,295 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hackensack metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $39,044 (2019) to $52,375 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,295 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,251 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hackensack 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) | $44,440 – $46,766 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,766 – $55,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,256 – $64,637 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,637 – $71,613 |
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 Hackensack
The local job market features just eight veterinary technologists and technicians, which suggests limited competition but also indicates that pay can be sensitive to demand fluctuation. With a high cost-of-living index of 115.2, the purchasing power of these salaries can be a concern for local professionals. Among Hackensack employers, corporate hospitals often offer the most competitive pay, with specialty facilities, especially those accommodating Emergency Care and Critical Care, yielding higher wages than general practices. Factors such as possessing VTS specialty credentials, payroll differentials from corporate chains, and experience in specialty settings all contribute to the income variance. For those in the field, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking opportunities in emergency and specialty practices may prove advantageous for maximizing their earnings in Hackensack, NJ.
More salary data for Hackensack, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hackensack, NJ in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Hackensack?
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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 $52,375 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hackensack 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 Hackensack 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