Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Utica, NY: $53,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Utica, NY earns a median $53,214/year (โ $25.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 โ projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Utica's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $57,418 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the New York state average.
Official BLS data ยท View source

In 2026, the average annual compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in Utica, NY is projected to be $53,214, which is approximately 6.46% higher than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for these professionals in Utica extends from $48,277 at the 10th percentile to $61,390 at the 90th percentile, based on data derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys. This promising pay structure reflects the growing demand for veterinary technologists and technicians in the area, driven by corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, which often implement competitive pay scales to attract talent in response to the ongoing veterinary workforce shortage.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,277 | $23.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,764 | $23.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,214 | $25.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,620 | $29.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,390 | $29.51 |
Median Salary Position
6.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Utica
In Utica, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,113 (2026 est.). At $53,214, the local median is 6.46% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Utica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Utica Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Utica median: $53,214/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Utica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $54,134 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +6.46% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Utica, NY earn a median of $53,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the New York state average of $54,134.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Utica has a cost of living 7.32% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal ร (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Utica, NY has a cost-of-living index of 92.678 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $53,214 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,418 in an average-cost city โ an effective 7.9% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,310
2025 BLS Actual
$50,440
2026 Current Est.
$53,214
2019โ2027 Growth
+59.0%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Utica (2019โ2027)
2019โ2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,141 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Utica metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 42.8% from $35,310 (2019) to $50,440 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,141 by 2027 โ a total increase of $20,831 (58.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019โ2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Utica metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026โ2026 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) | $48,277 โ $49,764 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,764 โ $53,214 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,214 โ $60,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,620 โ $61,390 |
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 Utica
With around 80 veterinary technologists and technicians employed locally, the job market in Utica presents solid opportunities, particularly given that the cost of living index is at 92.678, indicating relatively affordable living conditions. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, while positions in specialty referral hospitals may provide even greater earnings linked to veterinary specialty credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). Factors influencing the salary variance include the type of practice, with specialty facilities often compensating more than general practices, as well as differentials associated with nighttime or emergency shifts. For those aiming to maximize their pay in Utica, pursuing additional credentials or seeking positions at corporate hospitals could enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Utica, 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 $50,440 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Utica 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 (P10โP90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (โ). 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. ยท View source data at BLS.gov