Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $50,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Lackawanna, NY earns a median $50,667/year (≈ $24.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Lackawanna's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $43,716 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lackawanna, NY, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $50,667 in 2026, slightly above the national figure of $49,986. The salary range spans from $42,602 at the 10th percentile to $64,368 at the 90th, reflecting the diverse opportunities within this rewarding field. This variance often hinges on the type of veterinary practice; specialty hospitals tend to offer higher compensation compared to general practices. With estimates derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, it is evident that the local job market has room to accommodate various veterinary roles while also reflecting the competitive pressures of the overall veterinary landscape.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,602 | $20.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,963 | $21.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,667 | $24.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,519 | $29.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,368 | $30.94 |
Median Salary Position
1.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lackawanna
In Lackawanna, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,766 (2026 est.). At $50,667, the local median is 1.36% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lackawanna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lackawanna Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Lackawanna median: $50,667/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lackawanna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $54,132 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +1.36% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $50,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $54,132.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lackawanna has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lackawanna, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,667 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,716 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,802
2025 BLS Actual
$48,026
2026 Current Est.
$50,667
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,754 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,352 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,761 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,336 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,454 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lackawanna metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,802 (2019) to $48,026 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,454 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,652 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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) | $42,602 – $43,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,963 – $50,667 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,667 – $60,519 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,519 – $64,368 |
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 Lackawanna
In terms of employment dynamics, Lackawanna currently hosts five veterinary technologists and technicians, an indicator of a localized job market that could grow as demand surges. The cost of living index in Lackawanna is 115.9, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, take-home pay may be impacted by higher living expenses. Specialty and referral hospitals typically offer the highest pay, driven by factors such as the VTS specialty credential, which significantly boosts earning potential for those with advanced certifications. Employers in corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl also compete for talent, often providing structured pay scales that differ from general practices. To maximize earning potential, aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Lackawanna should pursue specialized training and certification. Acquiring a VTS credential, particularly in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, can lead to top-tier salaries of $30-$45+/hr, positioning them strongly within the evolving market.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lackawanna, NY in 2026?
Is Lackawanna, NY a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Lackawanna?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Lackawanna?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Lackawanna?
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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 $48,026 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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