Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $57,134 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $57,134/year (≈ $27.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $49,595 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for those in the veterinary technologist and technician field in Lakewood, New Jersey is projected to reach a median of $57,134, which reflects a significant advantage over the national average of $49,986. Local estimates suggest a salary range fluctuating from $43,081 at the lower percentile to $79,337 at the upper end, offering a robust perspective on pay structures within the area. This variation in remuneration is likely influenced by the choice between specialty hospitals and general practice settings, with the former generally offering higher compensation due to the advanced skills required. According to recent data, Lakewood’s veterinary technologist and technician job market is robust, reflecting the growing demand in the sector as practices look to attract qualified professionals amidst a national workforce shortage.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,081 | $20.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,688 | $22.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,134 | $27.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,431 | $34.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,337 | $38.14 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,256 (2026 est.). At $57,134, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $57,134/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,594 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +14.30% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $57,134 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $57,594.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,134 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,595 — a 13.2% 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
$40,371
2025 BLS Actual
$54,155
2026 Current Est.
$57,134
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,371 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,708 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,995 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,578 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,134 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,276 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $40,371 (2019) to $54,155 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,276 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,905 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $43,081 – $46,688 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,688 – $57,134 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,134 – $71,431 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,431 – $79,337 |
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 Lakewood
Across Lakewood, 31 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed, emphasizing a niche labor market that supports career growth. The local cost of living index of 115.2 indicates that while salaries are competitive, professionals may find their purchasing power diminished when compared to the national average. Notably, employers in specialty referral hospitals, such as those focusing on emergency and critical care or oncology, tend to offer the highest salaries. Factors like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, which can lead to premium pay rates, further differentiate earning potential. Understanding these dynamics can aid veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood, NJ in crafting their career strategies, such as seeking additional certifications or considering shifts in corporate chain facilities, which often provide differentials that impact overall pay.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lakewood, NJ in 2026?
Is Lakewood, NJ a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lakewood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Lakewood?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Lakewood?
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 $54,155 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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