Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Plainfield, NJ: $57,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Plainfield, NJ earns a median $57,475/year (≈ $27.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Plainfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $49,891 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $57,475, which reflects a notable increase compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $41,748 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the premium for skilled veterinary staff in a market that increasingly values those with VTS specialty credentials, especially in emergency and critical care (ECC) and anesthesia. As demand for qualified veterinary professionals continues, particularly in specialized roles, the opportunities for competitive compensation in Plainfield appear promising.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,748 | $20.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,769 | $22.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,475 | $27.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,226 | $32.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,120 | $38.04 |
Median Salary Position
14.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plainfield
In Plainfield, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,372 (2026 est.). At $57,475, the local median is 14.98% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plainfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plainfield Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Plainfield median: $57,475/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plainfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,591 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +14.98% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $57,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $57,591.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plainfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plainfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,475 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,891 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,612
2025 BLS Actual
$54,479
2026 Current Est.
$57,475
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,693 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,294 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,892 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,479 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plainfield metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $40,612 (2019) to $54,479 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,024 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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) | $41,748 – $45,769 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,769 – $57,475 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,475 – $68,226 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,226 – $79,120 |
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 Plainfield
With only 10 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Plainfield, the job market may seem limited, but it reflects a strong foundation for this profession, particularly in an area where the cost of living index is pegged at 115.2. This figure indicates that while salaries are reasonably higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be constrained by local living expenses. Employers that tend to offer better pay in the area include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl, which often have structured pay scales favoring specialized credentials. The disparity in salaries can be influenced by factors such as experience level, the nature of the facility (general practice versus specialty), and shift differentials, especially at 24-hour emergency hospitals. For veterinary professionals seeking to maximize their earnings in Plainfield, pursuing VTS specialization and seeking positions in specialty or corporate environments may provide the best financial upside.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Plainfield?
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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 $54,479 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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