Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Virginia: $52,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Virginia's 42 metropolitan areas, the average median veterinary technologist and technician pay sits at $52,301/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2056. Because Virginia sits at BEA RPP 103.2 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $50,679 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Alexandria ($57,144), Richmond ($53,220), Charlottesville ($53,060).
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Virginia can expect an average median salary of $52,302, which is approximately 4.6% higher than the national median of $49,986. The salary range across cities varies significantly, with Alexandria offering the highest average at $60,287 and Bristol the lowest at $44,822, creating a gap of $15,465. This difference is largely driven by cost of living, demand for veterinary services, and local economic conditions. Virginia has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that shape the responsibilities and compensation of veterinary technicians. The state is experiencing a growing demand for veterinary services, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 5.50% in this field. The total employment of 1,884 professionals highlights the opportunities available. Major cities like Richmond, Charlottesville, Radford, and Blacksburg offer salaries ranging from $54,818 to $56,147, reflecting local economic factors and demand for skilled veterinary staff. Overall, the job market for veterinary technologists and technicians in Virginia shows promise, providing various opportunities with salaries that align favorably compared to national averages.
Virginia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in Virginia: $32,568 (lowest entry-level) to $82,446 (highest top earner)
Virginia vs National Average
Virginia veterinary technologists and technicians earn 4.63% more than the national median (+$2,315/year difference).
Virginia Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Veterinary Technologist and Technician salaries in Virginia range from $37,745 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $69,377 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $52,301. The Virginia median is $2,315 above the US national median of $49,986. The average hourly rate is $25.15/hr. Approximately 1,884 veterinary technologist and technicians are employed across 42 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,684
2025 BLS Actual
$49,575
2026 Current Est.
$52,301
2019–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,684 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,706 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,355 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,464 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,575 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,178 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 31.6% from $37,684 (2019) to $49,575 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,178 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,494 (46.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia 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 Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Bristol | $44,822 |
| Falls Church | $46,445 |
| Herndon | $47,184 |
| Williamsburg | $47,699 |
| Winchester | $47,721 |
Best Value Cities for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for veterinary technologists and technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacksburg | $54,818 | 92.71 | $59,128 |
| Alexandria | $60,287 | 103.2 | $58,418 |
| Richmond | $56,147 | 97.858 | $57,376 |
| Charlottesville | $55,978 | 99.146 | $56,460 |
| Lynchburg | $48,562 | 89.363 | $54,342 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $37,745 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $52,301 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $69,377 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 42 Cities in Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandria | $60,287 |
| 2 | Richmond | $56,147 |
| 3 | Charlottesville | $55,978 |
| 4 | Radford | $55,776 |
| 5 | Blacksburg | $54,818 |
| 6 | Norfolk | $51,792 |
| 7 | Chesapeake | $51,229 |
| 8 | Virginia Beach | $51,030 |
| 9 | Newport News | $50,762 |
| 10 | Hampton | $50,315 |
| 11 | Centreville | $50,081 |
| 12 | Burke | $49,741 |
| 13 | Harrisonburg | $49,712 |
| 14 | Roanoke | $49,553 |
| 15 | Suffolk | $49,526 |
| 16 | Tuckahoe | $49,386 |
| 17 | Ashburn | $49,315 |
| 18 | McLean | $49,312 |
| 19 | Reston | $49,259 |
| 20 | Danville | $49,248 |
| 21 | Fredericksburg | $49,037 |
| 22 | Dale City | $49,028 |
| 23 | Manassas | $48,975 |
| 24 | Salem | $48,838 |
| 25 | Staunton | $48,825 |
| 26 | Leesburg | $48,768 |
| 27 | Portsmouth | $48,740 |
| 28 | Mechanicsville | $48,663 |
| 29 | Lynchburg | $48,562 |
| 30 | Springfield | $48,491 |
| 31 | Woodbridge | $48,425 |
| 32 | Sterling | $48,331 |
| 33 | Lake Ridge | $48,267 |
| 34 | Linton Hall | $48,212 |
| 35 | Fairfax | $48,089 |
| 36 | Waynesboro | $47,855 |
| 37 | Annandale | $47,790 |
| 38 | Winchester | $47,721 |
| 39 | Williamsburg | $47,699 |
| 40 | Herndon | $47,184 |
| 41 | Falls Church | $46,445 |
| 42 | Bristol | $44,822 |
More Virginia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Virginia 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 Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for veterinary technologists and technicians in Virginia?
How does Virginia veterinary technologist and technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level veterinary technologist and technician salary in Virginia?
How many veterinary technologists and technicians are employed in Virginia?
Which Virginia 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 Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 42 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