Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $50,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Philadelphia, PA earns a median $50,999/year (≈ $24.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Philadelphia's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $49,729 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Philadelphia, earning the 2026 median salary of $50,999 as a veterinary technologist or technician reflects a thriving market for skilled professionals in the field. The salary range from $38,877 at the lower percentile to $68,702 at the high end indicates that the potential for growth is significant, especially for individuals who pursue the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia. These specialties not only enhance one's skill set but can also lead to higher compensation in a city where the demand for certified technicians is robust, driven by a variety of practice settings including general clinics and specialty hospitals. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these figures position Philadelphia favorably against the national median of $49,986, offering a competitive edge for local professionals in the veterinary sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,877 | $18.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,483 | $22.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,999 | $24.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,319 | $29.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,702 | $33.03 |
Median Salary Position
2.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, PA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,825 (2026 est.). At $50,999, the local median is 2.03% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Philadelphia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Philadelphia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Philadelphia median: $50,999/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Philadelphia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $47,485 | +7.40% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.03% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $50,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.03% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.40% above the Pennsylvania state average of $47,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Philadelphia has a cost of living 2.55% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Philadelphia, PA has a cost-of-living index of 102.554 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,999 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,729 — a 2.49% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,780
2025 BLS Actual
$48,340
2026 Current Est.
$50,999
2019–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,804 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 28.0% from $37,780 (2019) to $48,340 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,804 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,024 (42.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Philadelphia 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) | $38,877 – $46,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,483 – $50,999 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,999 – $62,319 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,319 – $68,702 |
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 Philadelphia
A strong workforce of approximately 3,370 veterinary technologists and technicians is employed in Philadelphia, underpinning a stable job market in this profession. The cost-of-living index of 102.554 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the rising expenses in the area impact purchasing power for these professionals. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer higher salaries compared to general practice clinics. The differences in pay can be attributed to various factors; for instance, obtaining a VTS credential significantly enhances earning potential, often correlating with higher pay rates around $30-$45 per hour. Additionally, working at 24-hour emergency hospitals may provide opportunities for shift differentials, amplifying overall compensation. To maximize earnings in the Philadelphia market, aspiring veterinary technologists may benefit from pursuing further specialization and gaining experience in high-demand environments where the market pushes for skilled expertise.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Philadelphia?
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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 $48,340 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Philadelphia 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