Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Bristol, RI: $47,556 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Bristol, RI earns a median $47,556/year (≈ $22.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $47,319 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $47,556 for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bristol, RI, the compensation landscape reveals a notable pay grade distinction between those working in specialty hospitals versus general practice settings. The salary range for this occupation spans from $36,865 at the lower 10th percentile to $61,323 at the higher 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, emphasize the potential for variation in earnings across different veterinary care environments in Bristol, influenced largely by the complexity of cases handled, the level of expertise required, and the employer's operational framework. This dynamic highlights the diversity of job opportunities available for veterinary professionals, potentially shaping their career strategies in the local market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,865 | $17.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,994 | $18.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,556 | $22.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,741 | $26.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,323 | $29.49 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,458 (2026 est.). At $47,556, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bristol median: $47,556/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $50,218 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.86% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bristol, RI earn a median of $47,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $50,218.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,556 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,319 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,603
2025 BLS Actual
$45,077
2026 Current Est.
$47,556
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,603 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,498 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,059 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,381 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,614 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,958 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,556 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,172 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,603 (2019) to $45,077 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,172 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,569 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $36,865 – $38,994 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,994 – $47,556 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,556 – $54,741 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,741 – $61,323 |
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 Bristol
Bristol's job market features a tight group of only five veterinary technologists and technicians, revealing a localized industry niche amid a slightly elevated cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 100.5. This situation means take-home purchasing power may not be as high as salary figures suggest. Employers like specialty referral hospitals typically offer higher pay compared to general practice clinics, driven by the demand for specific skills such as emergency care and surgical assistance. The presence of corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl also influences pay scales significantly, with structured salaries that often reward specialized technicians and those in leadership roles. In this context, strategies for maximizing pay could include pursuing VTS specialty credentialing, ensuring professional development aligned with these high-demand areas, and considering shifts in specialty hospitals where pay differentials are more pronounced due to the nature of the services provided.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bristol, RI in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Bristol?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Bristol?
Related Pages
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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 $45,077 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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