Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Salem, OR: $52,022 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Salem, OR earns a median $52,022/year (≈ $25.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Salem's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $50,191 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem, Oregon, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $52,022, representing a 4.07% increase compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this occupation in Salem will span from $33,095 at the 10th percentile to $65,326 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the regional pay gradient influenced by the type of employment setting. Positions within specialty referral hospitals typically offer significantly higher compensation than those found in general practice clinics, highlighting a critical distinction in the job market for veterinary professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,095 | $15.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,091 | $24.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,022 | $25.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,736 | $29.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,326 | $31.41 |
Median Salary Position
4.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, OR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,231 (2026 est.). At $52,022, the local median is 4.07% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be above the median
How Salem Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Salem median: $52,022/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $55,938 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +4.07% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Salem, OR earn a median of $52,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% below the Oregon state average of $55,938.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.65% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, OR has a cost-of-living index of 103.649 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,022 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,191 — a 3.52% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,010
2025 BLS Actual
$49,310
2026 Current Est.
$52,022
2019–2027 Growth
+61.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,022 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,883 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 45.0% from $34,010 (2019) to $49,310 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,883 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,873 (61.37%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $33,095 – $50,091 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,091 – $52,022 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,022 – $60,736 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,736 – $65,326 |
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 Salem
The job market in Salem currently employs around 90 veterinary technologists and technicians, creating a balanced demand and supply scenario, although the area faces a cost-of-living index of 103.649, indicating expenses are slightly higher than the national average. This situation can affect take-home purchasing power, necessitating strategic career moves for optimal earnings. Employers such as corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, along with specialty hospitals focused on emergency, surgery, or internal medicine, generally provide more competitive pay. Factors driving the salary variations include specialty credentials like VTS, corporate pay scales, and the specific workplace dynamics of hospitals that require advanced skills. To maximize their earning potential in Salem, aspiring vet techs should consider certifications, seek positions in high-demand specialty areas, and keep abreast of corporate employment trends.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salem, OR in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Salem?
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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 $49,310 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Salem 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