Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Providence, RI: $48,699 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Providence, RI earns a median $48,699/year (≈ $23.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Providence's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.8), that paycheck buys what $47,851 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Providence, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $48,699, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $49,986. The salary range within this market is expected to span from $39,615 at the 10th percentile to $67,087 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, and they illustrate how Providence fits into the evolving veterinary industry. As corporate chains such as VCA and BluePearl expand their operations, competitive pay scales have become essential for attracting and retaining skilled veterinary technologists and technicians, marking a dynamic shift in Providence's employment landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,615 | $19.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,259 | $19.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,699 | $23.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,733 | $30.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,087 | $32.25 |
Median Salary Position
2.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Providence
In Providence, RI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,472 (2026 est.). At $48,699, the local median is 2.57% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Providence Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Providence median: $48,699/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $50,257 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.57% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Providence, RI earn a median of $48,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.57% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $50,257.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Providence has a cost of living 1.77% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 101.773 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,699 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,851 — a 1.74% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,360
2025 BLS Actual
$46,160
2026 Current Est.
$48,699
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Providence (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 | $43,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,699 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,377 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Providence metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 23.6% from $37,360 (2019) to $46,160 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,377 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,017 (37.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence 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) | $39,615 – $40,259 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,259 – $48,699 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,699 – $63,733 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,733 – $67,087 |
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 Providence
With 730 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the area, the local job market shows solid demand for these professionals. Given that the cost-of-living index in Providence stands at 101.773, above the national average, the take-home salary may not stretch as far compared to other regions. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl generally offer higher pay rates, particularly for roles requiring advanced credentials, such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS). Factors influencing salary disparities include the type of veterinary practice, with specialty referral hospitals typically offering more than general practices, as well as lead or mentor roles that command higher wages. To maximize earnings in Providence, pursuing VTS credentialing and seeking positions in 24-hour emergency hospitals can provide substantial financial benefit, aligning with the upward trajectory in veterinary technologist and technician pay in the region.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Providence?
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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 $46,160 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Providence 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, 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