Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Elmira, NY: $51,242 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Elmira, NY earns a median $51,242/year (≈ $24.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Elmira's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $44,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elmira, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is positioned favorably, with a median annual wage of $51,242 projected for 2026. When examining the broader pay scale within this occupational field, salaries range from approximately $40,076 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $65,076 at the upper end (90th percentile). The analysis of these figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reveals that local professionals earn slightly more than the national median salary, which stands at $49,986. This regional pay advantage reflects the ongoing corporate consolidation in veterinary practices, particularly with chains like VCA and BluePearl, establishing competitive pay scales that may benefit employees in this sector. Given the veterinary technician workforce shortage, Elmira's job market shows promise in terms of compensation potential.
About the Elmira Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,076 | $19.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,530 | $20.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,242 | $24.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,051 | $29.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,076 | $31.29 |
Median Salary Position
2.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmira
In Elmira, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,000 (2026 est.). At $51,242, the local median is 2.51% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Elmira: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elmira Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Elmira median: $51,242/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmira Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $54,110 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.51% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Elmira, NY earn a median of $51,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.51% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.30% below the New York state average of $54,110.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmira has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elmira, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,242 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,212 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,208
2025 BLS Actual
$48,571
2026 Current Est.
$51,242
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elmira (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,201 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,242 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,061 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmira metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,208 (2019) to $48,571 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,061 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,853 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmira 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) | $40,076 – $42,530 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,530 – $51,242 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,242 – $61,051 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,051 – $65,076 |
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 Elmira
Despite only six veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the Elmira area, the landscape for employment opportunities remains robust as demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. The cost of living index in Elmira is pegged at 115.9, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, local living expenses may impact overall purchasing power. Among the local employers, corporate chain hospitals, especially VCA and BluePearl, tend to provide the most competitive compensation, although specialty and referral hospitals can offer higher pay for those holding VTS credentials. Factors influencing salary variations include the type of practice, responsibilities like lead technician roles, and shift differentials offered by 24-hour emergency facilities. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Elmira, pursuing specialty credentials through organizations like NAVTA can significantly enhance earning potential, positioning professionals near the higher end of the pay spectrum.
More salary data for Elmira, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elmira, NY in 2026?
Is Elmira, NY a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Elmira?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Elmira?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Elmira?
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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 $48,571 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Elmira 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 Elmira 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