Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Rochester, NY: $52,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Rochester, NY earns a median $52,550/year (≈ $25.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.0), that paycheck buys what $54,156 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary is projected to reach a median annual amount of $52,550 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $49,986 by 5.13%. Salaries within this profession vary significantly, with a range from $48,034 at the 10th percentile to $62,456 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse opportunities depending on experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected forward to 2026. Rochester's job market reflects a growing demand for skilled veterinary professionals, which can be attributed to the continued rise of corporate chain practices like VCA and BluePearl, as well as specialty hospitals. With a thriving pet ownership culture and a shortage of qualified technicians, the remuneration landscape in Rochester is favorable for those in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,034 | $23.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,387 | $24.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,550 | $25.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,819 | $28.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,456 | $30.03 |
Median Salary Position
5.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,422 (2026 est.). At $52,550, the local median is 5.13% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Rochester median: $52,550/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $54,119 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +5.13% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Rochester, NY earn a median of $52,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.13% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.90% below the New York state average of $54,119.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 2.97% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NY has a cost-of-living index of 97.035 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $52,550 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,156 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.06% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,690
2025 BLS Actual
$49,810
2026 Current Est.
$52,550
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,440 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 32.2% from $37,690 (2019) to $49,810 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,440 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,750 (47.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $48,034 – $50,387 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,387 – $52,550 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,550 – $59,819 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,819 – $62,456 |
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 Rochester
In this region, approximately 320 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed, emphasizing a robust job market buoyed by a relatively low cost of living index of 97.035. This cost index suggests that take-home pay can stretch further, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle compared to many other urban centers. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, with additional pay differentials available in specialty referral hospitals focused on areas like emergency care and surgery. Factors contributing to salary disparities include advanced credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, which can command premium wages in specialized settings. For those looking to maximize their pay in Rochester, pursuing VTS certifications and seeking employment with established corporate practices or specialty clinics stand out as effective strategies. Continual professional development through NAVTA and AVMA-accredited programs can further enhance earning potential in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $49,810 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Rochester 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, 7-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