Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Toms River, NJ: $56,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Toms River, NJ earns a median $56,774/year (≈ $27.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Toms River's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $49,283 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Toms River, NJ, can anticipate a median annual salary of $56,774 in 2026, reflecting the competitive nature of this essential healthcare profession. With a salary range from $44,893 at the 10th percentile to $73,149 at the 90th percentile, these figures, derived from projected data based on 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the varied earning potential within the field. Notably, those employed within specialty hospitals often receive higher compensation compared to their counterparts in general practice settings. This pay gradient illustrates the importance of specialization and the growing need for skilled professionals in Toms River's veterinary landscape.
About the Toms River Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,893 | $21.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,777 | $22.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,774 | $27.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,796 | $32.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,149 | $35.16 |
Median Salary Position
13.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Toms River
In Toms River, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,256 (2026 est.). At $56,774, the local median is 13.58% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Toms River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Toms River Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Toms River median: $56,774/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Toms River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $57,580 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +13.58% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Toms River, NJ earn a median of $56,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $57,580.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Toms River has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Toms River, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,774 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,283 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,116
2025 BLS Actual
$53,814
2026 Current Est.
$56,774
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,116 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,184 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,433 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,814 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,896 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Toms River metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $40,116 (2019) to $53,814 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,896 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,780 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Toms River 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) | $44,893 – $47,777 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,777 – $56,774 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,774 – $67,796 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,796 – $73,149 |
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 Toms River
In Toms River, there are currently 17 veterinary technologists and technicians, indicating a stable job market despite the prevailing workforce shortages in the veterinary field. The cost-of-living index in the area sits at 115.2, which suggests that while salaries are above the national median of $49,986, the purchasing power may be impacted by higher local expenses. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain facilities like VCA and BluePearl typically offer more competitive pay, often reaching the higher end of the salary range. Factors influencing wage disparities include the attainment of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in areas like emergency and critical care, which can command salaries upwards of $30 to $45 per hour. Aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians can maximize their earning potential by pursuing certifications, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and seeking positions in hospitals that prioritize employee development and offer competitive pay scales.
More salary data for Toms River, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Toms River?
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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 $53,814 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Toms River 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 Toms River 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