Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Milwaukie, OR: $51,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Milwaukie, OR earns a median $51,394/year (≈ $24.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Milwaukie's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $50,092 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in Emergency and Critical Care or anesthesia, the financial rewards in Milwaukie, Oregon, can be significant, with a projected median salary of $51,394 in 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $49,986, illustrating the local market's competitive edge. Salaries for veterinary technologists and technicians in the area are expected to range from $41,589 at the lower end to $65,167 at the top, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within this field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for local cost factors, which are indeed relevant given Milwaukie's cost of living index of 102.6. As a growing community with a demand for veterinary services, Milwaukie's job market presents viable avenues for advancing one's career in this rewarding field.
About the Milwaukie Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,589 | $19.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,454 | $20.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,394 | $24.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,426 | $29.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,167 | $31.33 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukie
In Milwaukie, OR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,578 (2026 est.). At $51,394, the local median is 2.82% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milwaukie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milwaukie Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Milwaukie median: $51,394/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $55,924 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.82% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Milwaukie, OR earn a median of $51,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 8.10% below the Oregon state average of $55,924.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukie has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milwaukie, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,394 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,092 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,315
2025 BLS Actual
$48,715
2026 Current Est.
$51,394
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Milwaukie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,315 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,282 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,972 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,221 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukie metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,315 (2019) to $48,715 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,221 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,906 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukie 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) | $41,589 – $43,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,454 – $51,394 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,394 – $61,426 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,426 – $65,167 |
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 Milwaukie
In Milwaukie, there are currently six employed veterinary technologists and technicians, highlighting a tight-knit job market. The cost of living index suggests that salaries should be judiciously considered, where take-home pay may be somewhat elevated due to local market conditions. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include specialty referral hospitals, corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl, and prominent university teaching hospitals. Variations in pay can often be attributed to the specialization of VTS credentials, which command higher wages, the pay scales established by corporate entities, and factors such as shift differentials at emergency facilities. For those working in general practice settings, additional responsibilities or mentorship roles can also lead to increased compensation. Therefore, acquiring a VTS credential and seeking employment in specialized or corporate environments can be effective strategies for optimizing earning potential in Milwaukie, OR.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Milwaukie, OR in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Milwaukie?
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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 $48,715 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie 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