Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Bristol, VA: $44,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Bristol, VA earns a median $44,822/year (≈ $21.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $43,432 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $44,822 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $49,986. The salary range for this occupation in Bristol spans from $35,960 at the 10th percentile to $56,463 at the 90th percentile. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Factors like the presence of corporate chains, such as VCA and BluePearl, influence local pay scales. Despite the shortage of qualified vet techs, leading to increased compensation nationwide, Bristol's job market reflects a somewhat muted salary landscape, aligning closely with corporate pay structures and local demand.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,960 | $17.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,635 | $18.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,822 | $21.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,375 | $25.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,463 | $27.15 |
Median Salary Position
10.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,503 (2026 est.). At $44,822, the local median is 10.33% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Bristol median: $44,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,361 | -11.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -10.33% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Bristol, VA earn a median of $44,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.33% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 11.00% below the Virginia state average of $50,361.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $44,822 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,432 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,671
2025 BLS Actual
$42,485
2026 Current Est.
$44,822
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,514 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,289 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,696 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,485 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,287 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $31,671 (2019) to $42,485 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,287 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,616 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $35,960 – $37,635 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,635 – $44,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,822 – $53,375 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,375 – $56,463 |
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 Bristol
The veterinary technologist and technician job market in Bristol features a modest employment figure, with only 6 professionals in the field. The cost of living index for the area stands at 103.2, indicating that living expenses are above the national average, which can diminish purchasing power for local techs. Among employers, corporate chains generally offer higher compensation, while general practices tend to pay less. The disparity in salary can be attributed to factors such as specialty credentialing, particularly for those pursuing VTS qualifications in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care. To maximize earning potential, technicians in Bristol should consider advancing their skills through specialized training and seeking employment at corporate or specialty facilities where pay scales are more favorable.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bristol, VA in 2026?
Is Bristol, VA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Bristol?
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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 $42,485 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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