Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Blacksburg, VA: $54,818 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Blacksburg, VA earns a median $54,818/year (≈ $26.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Blacksburg's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $59,128 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.8% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Blacksburg, Virginia, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $54,818, which is notably higher than the national median of $49,986, representing an increase of 9.67%. The salary range in this market is substantial, spanning from $36,419 at the 10th percentile to as much as $69,525 at the 90th percentile, with a median hourly rate of $26.35. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlight a robust demand for skilled professionals, particularly those with veterinary technician specialist (VTS) credentials in emergency and critical care (ECC) or anesthesia. As employers in the area seek to attract and retain qualified individuals, pursuing VTS credentials can significantly enhance earning potential in this competitive job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,419 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,792 | $22.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,818 | $26.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,286 | $31.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,525 | $33.42 |
Median Salary Position
9.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Blacksburg
In Blacksburg, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,106 (2026 est.). At $54,818, the local median is 9.67% above the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Blacksburg: You'd be above the median
How Blacksburg Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Blacksburg median: $54,818/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Blacksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,384 | +8.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +9.67% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $54,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 8.80% above the Virginia state average of $50,384.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Blacksburg has a cost of living 7.29% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Blacksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 92.71 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $54,818 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,128 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.86% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,780
2025 BLS Actual
$51,960
2026 Current Est.
$54,818
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,818 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,833 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Blacksburg metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 37.5% from $37,780 (2019) to $51,960 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,833 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,053 (53.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blacksburg 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) | $36,419 – $47,792 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,792 – $54,818 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,818 – $66,286 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,286 – $69,525 |
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 Blacksburg
In Blacksburg, approximately 150 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed, creating a steady job market for professionals in the field. The cost-of-living index stands at 92.71, reflecting a below-average cost that can positively impact take-home pay. This gives local veterinary technologists and technicians a better purchasing power compared to other regions. Among potential employers, specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl generally offer the highest salaries. Factors contributing to pay disparities include VTS specialty credentials, which command premium rates, and the corporate pay scales which can vary significantly between general practice and emergency care settings. Those interested in maximizing their earnings in Blacksburg should focus on obtaining specialty certifications, seeking employment at hospitals that provide competitive compensation, and exploring opportunities for mentorship roles or working at 24-hour emergency facilities where shift differentials may apply.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
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 $51,960 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Blacksburg 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