Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $46,750 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Wilkes-Barre, PA earns a median $46,750/year (≈ $22.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Wilkes-Barre's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $47,998 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilkes-Barre can anticipate a median annual salary of $46,750, reflecting a modest decrease of 6.47% compared to the national figure of $49,986. The compensation range is notable as well, with entry-level positions starting around $35,495 and potentially reaching up to $60,118 for those in senior roles or specialized practices. These figures, derived from state-level BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the regional differences in compensation. In Wilkes-Barre, the employment structure often features a pay gradient between general practice clinics and specialty hospitals, influencing salary expectations based on expertise and work environment.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,495 | $17.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,159 | $18.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,750 | $22.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,013 | $26.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,118 | $28.91 |
Median Salary Position
6.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilkes-Barre
In Wilkes-Barre, PA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,623 (2026 est.). At $46,750, the local median is 6.47% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilkes-Barre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilkes-Barre Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Wilkes-Barre median: $46,750/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilkes-Barre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $47,510 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.47% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $46,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.47% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,510.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilkes-Barre has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilkes-Barre, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $46,750 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,998 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,034
2025 BLS Actual
$44,313
2026 Current Est.
$46,750
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,034 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,765 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,909 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,313 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,750 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,321 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,034 (2019) to $44,313 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,321 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,287 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $35,495 – $38,159 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,159 – $46,750 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,750 – $56,013 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,013 – $60,118 |
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 Wilkes-Barre
In the Wilkes-Barre job market, there are currently 11 veterinary technologists and technicians employed, indicating a stable but potentially competitive landscape. The area’s cost-of-living index sits at 97.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the overall affordability of living in the region can enhance take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty hospitals, particularly those focusing on emergency care or advanced medical services, tend to offer higher salaries compared to corporate chain clinics and general practices. Key factors influencing pay disparities include the attainment of specialty credentials such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS), which can lead to elevated earnings—some positions commanding rates upwards of $30 to $45 per hour. To maximize earning potential, aspiring veterinary technicians in Wilkes-Barre should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking out roles in specialty or emergency medicine, and taking advantage of mentorship opportunities that come with leadership positions in their field.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 2026?
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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 $44,313 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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