Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Rhode Island: $48,718 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Rhode Island's 17 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $48,718/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Rhode Island sits at BEA RPP 100.5 (1% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $48,476 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Pawtucket ($47,565), East Providence ($47,199), Warwick ($47,096).
In 2026, the average salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rhode Island is projected to be $48,718, which is slightly below the national median of $49,986, representing a 2.5% difference. Employment for these professionals in the state is concentrated in various cities, with Pawtucket offering the highest average salary at $50,181, while Central Falls presents the lowest at $46,351, resulting in a salary gap of $3,830 between these areas. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as local demand for veterinary services, the concentration of animal care facilities, and cost of living variations. Rhode Island mandates specific licensing requirements and enforces distinct scope of practice laws, influencing how veterinary technicians operate within the state and potentially impacting salary levels. There is a projected annual growth rate of 5.50% for this occupation according to 2025 BLS data, signaling continued demand for qualified personnel. Emerging trends in pet ownership, alongside a growing emphasis on preventive care, further drive the need for veterinary services and support job stability in this field. Overall, opportunities remain strong for veterinary technologists and technicians across Rhode Island, with key cities offering competitive salaries aligned with regional demands.
Rhode Island Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Rhode Island: $36,719 (lowest entry-level) to $69,159 (highest top earner)
Rhode Island vs National Average
Rhode Island veterinary technologists and technicians earn 2.54% less than the national median ($-1,268/year difference).
Rhode Island Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Rhode Island range from $39,371 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $66,650 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $48,718. The Rhode Island median is $1,268 below the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $23.42/hr. Approximately 859 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 17 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,360
2025 BLS Actual
$46,178
2026 Current Est.
$48,718
2019–2027 Growth
+37.6%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rhode Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,178 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,718 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rhode Island metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 23.6% from $37,360 (2019) to $46,178 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,037 (37.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rhode Island 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
Lowest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Central Falls | $46,351 |
| Westerly | $46,914 |
| Bristol | $47,556 |
| South Kingstown | $47,686 |
| Cumberland | $47,810 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rhode Island
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Rhode Island cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket | $50,181 | 100.5 | $49,931 |
| East Providence | $49,795 | 100.5 | $49,547 |
| Warwick | $49,686 | 100.5 | $49,439 |
| West Warwick | $49,662 | 100.5 | $49,415 |
| Coventry | $49,429 | 100.5 | $49,183 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,371 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $48,718 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $66,650 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Rhode Island metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 17 Cities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pawtucket | $50,181 |
| 2 | East Providence | $49,795 |
| 3 | Warwick | $49,686 |
| 4 | West Warwick | $49,662 |
| 5 | Coventry | $49,429 |
| 6 | Cranston | $49,139 |
| 7 | Providence | $48,699 |
| 8 | Johnston | $48,579 |
| 9 | Woonsocket | $48,560 |
| 10 | Newport | $48,294 |
| 11 | North Providence | $48,197 |
| 12 | North Kingstown | $48,181 |
| 13 | Cumberland | $47,810 |
| 14 | South Kingstown | $47,686 |
| 15 | Bristol | $47,556 |
| 16 | Westerly | $46,914 |
| 17 | Central Falls | $46,351 |
More Rhode Island Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Rhode Island cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new veterinary technologists and technicians.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
Explore More Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rhode Island in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rhode Island?
How does Rhode Island veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Rhode Island?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Rhode Island?
Which Rhode Island city offers the best value for veterinary technologists and technicians?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 veterinary technologist and technician compensation across Rhode Island. State averages are employment-weighted across 17 metro areas — larger metro areas with more veterinary technologists and technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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