Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Arecibo, PR: $26,175 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Arecibo, PR earns a median $26,175/year (≈ $12.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Puerto Rico's price level (25% below national, BEA RPP 75.0), that paycheck buys what $34,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 30.2% below the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, earn a median annual salary of $26,175, a figure that starkly contrasts with the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this profession in Arecibo varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $23,041 and those in the top 10 percent reaching as much as $46,705. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) database and projected to 2026, paints a clear picture of a pay structure influenced heavily by the type of employer. Typically, specialty hospitals offer higher compensation than general practices, creating a notable gradient in pay levels within the local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,041 | $11.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26,175 | $12.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $26,175 | $12.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28,896 | $13.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,705 | $22.46 |
Median Salary Position
47.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arecibo
In Arecibo, PR, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,664 (2026 est.). At $26,175, the local median is 47.64% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arecibo: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Arecibo Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Arecibo median: $26,175/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arecibo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $37,499 | -30.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -47.64% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Arecibo, PR earn a median of $26,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 47.64% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 30.20% below the Puerto Rico state average of $37,499.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,495
2025 BLS Actual
$24,810
2026 Current Est.
$26,175
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arecibo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,495 | Actual |
| 2020 | $18,987 | Actual |
| 2021 | $19,296 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,175 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,614 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arecibo metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $18,495 (2019) to $24,810 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $27,614 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,119 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arecibo 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) | $23,041 – $26,175 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $26,175 – $26,175 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $26,175 – $28,896 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $28,896 – $46,705 |
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 Arecibo
Presently, Arecibo employs 40 veterinary technologists and technicians, and while the job market is relatively stable, local living costs significantly influence the real earnings potential of these professionals. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral facilities generally offer superior pay, compared to general practice clinics. The pay spread in Arecibo is driven by various factors, including specialty credentials such as the VTS, which can boost earnings considerably. Additionally, corporate pay scales at chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl often include differentials that enhance compensation. To optimize pay in this market, pursuing specialty certifications and considering employment in high-demand settings like Emergency and Critical Care or surgical practices are practical strategies for advancing one’s career and salary.
More salary data for Arecibo, PR:
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 $24,810 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Arecibo 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, 2-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