Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Westerly, RI: $46,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Westerly, RI earns a median $46,914/year (≈ $22.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Westerly's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $46,681 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Westerly, RI is projected to reach a median of $46,914, which is slightly below the national median of $49,986. According to estimates derived from BLS state-level data, local salaries will range from $39,222 at the 10th percentile to $59,267 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a variety of employers and practice settings. The salary structure demonstrates a notable difference in pay between those working in general practice clinics and specialty hospitals, with the latter typically offering higher compensation due to advanced skills and specialized care required. As the demand for veterinary services continues to grow, veterinary technologists and technicians in Westerly can expect to find a competitive job market as they navigate this evolving field.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,222 | $18.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,581 | $19.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,914 | $22.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,202 | $26.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,267 | $28.50 |
Median Salary Position
6.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westerly
In Westerly, RI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,045 (2026 est.). At $46,914, the local median is 6.15% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westerly: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westerly Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Westerly median: $46,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westerly Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $50,229 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -6.15% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Westerly, RI earn a median of $46,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $50,229.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westerly has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westerly, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,914 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,681 — a 0.5% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$33,149
2025 BLS Actual
$44,468
2026 Current Est.
$46,914
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,031 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,468 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,494 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westerly metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,149 (2019) to $44,468 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,494 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,345 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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) | $39,222 – $40,581 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,581 – $46,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,914 – $54,202 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,202 – $59,267 |
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 Westerly
With only five veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Westerly, the local market presents opportunities for those entering the profession. The cost-of-living index stands at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which impacts the overall purchasing power of salaries within the region. Specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals typically offer the highest pay, while general practice settings may fall short. Factors influencing the variability in wages include the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certifications, which can command considerably higher rates, as well as shift differentials in emergency settings. Additionally, candidates can enhance their earning potential by gaining experience, pursuing specialty training, and considering employment with larger corporate chains or specialty practices to capitalize on the increasing demand and tightening workforce in the veterinary profession.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Westerly, RI in 2026?
Is Westerly, RI a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Westerly?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Westerly?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Westerly?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 $44,468 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Westerly 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 Westerly 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