Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Passaic, NJ: $56,362 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Passaic, NJ earns a median $56,362/year (≈ $27.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Passaic's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $48,925 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Passaic, New Jersey, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $56,362 in 2026, which reflects a competitive pay scale within the region. Salaries range significantly, from as low as $43,920 at the 10th percentile to as high as $77,443 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which currently sits above the national average with an index of 115.2. Employers within corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl are among the primary payers in this market, influencing salary dynamics due to their structured pay scales. Given the workforce shortage in the veterinary field, these factors create an evolving landscape for compensation opportunities in Passaic.
About the Passaic Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,920 | $21.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,944 | $22.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,362 | $27.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,200 | $33.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,443 | $37.23 |
Median Salary Position
12.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Passaic
In Passaic, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,523 (2026 est.). At $56,362, the local median is 12.76% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Passaic: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Passaic Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Passaic median: $56,362/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Passaic Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,571 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +12.76% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Passaic, NJ earn a median of $56,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $57,571.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Passaic has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Passaic, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,362 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,925 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,826
2025 BLS Actual
$53,424
2026 Current Est.
$56,362
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,118 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,868 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,362 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,462 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Passaic metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $39,826 (2019) to $53,424 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,462 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,636 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Passaic 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) | $43,920 – $46,944 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,944 – $56,362 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,362 – $70,200 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,200 – $77,443 |
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 Passaic
The local employment scene comprises 18 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating that the job market holds potential but remains competitive. With a cost of living 15.2% higher than the national average, take-home salaries need to stretch further, emphasizing the importance of strategic career decisions. Pay disparities in the Passaic market can be attributed to several factors, such as specialized credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), which significantly enhance earning potential. Individuals employed at specialty hospitals or in emergency care roles often command higher wages compared to general practice settings. To maximize pay, job seekers should consider pursuing advanced certifications, seeking employment at corporate or specialty facilities, and taking on leadership roles that offer additional remuneration. Understanding the unique pay structure provided by different types of employers will be vital for those asking, "how much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Passaic NJ?"
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Passaic, NJ in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Passaic?
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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 $53,424 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Passaic 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 Passaic 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