Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $50,181 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $50,181/year (≈ $24.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $49,931 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is anticipated to be $50,181, positioning it slightly above the national median of $49,986. The local salary range spans from $36,719 at the lower 10th percentile to $69,159 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market that includes both general practice clinics and corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. These figures are derived from state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors, and highlight Pawtucket's competitive pay scale in this profession. The presence of corporate practices may contribute to higher compensation rates compared to smaller facilities, indicating a distinct wage dynamic within the veterinary sector in the area.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,719 | $17.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,009 | $19.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,181 | $24.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,714 | $29.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,159 | $33.25 |
Median Salary Position
0.39% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,440 (2026 est.). At $50,181, the local median is 0.39% above the national median of $49,986.
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How Pawtucket Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $50,181/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $50,231 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.39% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $50,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $50,231.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,181 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,931 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,458
2025 BLS Actual
$47,565
2026 Current Est.
$50,181
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,458 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,402 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,994 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,389 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,911 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,164 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,181 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,941 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,458 (2019) to $47,565 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,941 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,483 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $36,719 – $40,009 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,009 – $50,181 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,181 – $60,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,714 – $69,159 |
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 Pawtucket
Currently, Pawtucket employs 16 veterinary technologists and technicians, which suggests a stable job market despite the acute workforce shortage faced nationally. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, salaries here afford some moderate purchasing power, although the relatively high prices can impact take-home earnings. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals, corporate chains, and university teaching hospitals tend to offer the highest salaries among veterinary practice settings. The notable pay variance often hinges on specific credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) designation, which can lead to top-tier compensation at $30-$45+/hr. To maximize earnings, aspiring technicians should consider pursuing specialty certifications, seeking employment with larger veterinary chains, or gaining experience in emergency care, which offers shift differentials that can enhance overall pay.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
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 $47,565 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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