Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Ithaca, NY: $59,523 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Ithaca, NY earns a median $59,523/year (≈ $28.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Ithaca's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $57,612 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.9% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ithaca, New York, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,523 in 2026, reflecting a competitive advantage over the national median of $49,986. The salary spectrum ranges from $47,464 at the 10th percentile to $62,646 at the 90th percentile, showcasing ample opportunity for advancement in the field. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and demonstrates that those who achieve a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia can expect to command higher wages, benefiting from a local market keen on specialized skills. The robust demand for veterinary professionals here suggests that skilled technicians with advanced credentials will find themselves in a strong position within Ithaca's workforce.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,464 | $22.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,244 | $25.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,523 | $28.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,646 | $30.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,646 | $30.12 |
Median Salary Position
19.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ithaca
In Ithaca, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,182 (2026 est.). At $59,523, the local median is 19.08% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Ithaca: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Ithaca Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Ithaca median: $59,523/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ithaca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $54,161 | +9.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +19.08% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Ithaca, NY earn a median of $59,523 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.08% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 9.90% above the New York state average of $54,161.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ithaca has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ithaca, NY has a cost-of-living index of 103.317 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,523 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,612 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,570
2025 BLS Actual
$56,420
2026 Current Est.
$59,523
2019–2027 Growth
+34.8%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,630 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,523 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ithaca metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 21.2% from $46,570 (2019) to $56,420 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,227 (34.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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) | $47,464 – $52,244 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,244 – $59,523 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,523 – $62,646 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,646 – $62,646 |
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 Ithaca
With approximately 80 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Ithaca, the local job market exhibits strength even amid a national shortage in the veterinary field. The cost of living index in the area stands at 103.317, which means that while salaries are relatively high, the purchasing power may be impacted. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals, particularly in surgery and ECC, tend to offer higher pay compared to general practice settings. The variation in compensation often stems from factors like levels of expertise, such as holding a VTS credential, as well as the corporate pay scale differences observed in establishments like VCA and BluePearl. To maximize earning potential in Ithaca, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians should focus on gaining specialized certifications, pursuing mentorship opportunities, and considering positions in 24-hour emergency facilities where shift differentials can contribute significantly to overall pay.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ithaca, NY in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Ithaca?
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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 $56,420 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Ithaca 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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