Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $51,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $51,229/year (≈ $24.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $49,641 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $51,229 as of 2026. This reflects a competitive pay structure within the local veterinary market, significantly influenced by the choice of practice setting. Those working in specialty hospitals often earn more due to the advanced skills required, with salaries ranging from $35,301 to $73,445. These figures, driven by estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, highlight the local pay scale that is moderately favorable compared to the national average of $49,986. Adjusting for the specific needs and complexities associated with specialty care, Chesapeake's job market showcases potential for career growth and salary advancement for veterinary professionals.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,301 | $16.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,551 | $20.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,229 | $24.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,271 | $31.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,445 | $35.31 |
Median Salary Position
2.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,144 (2026 est.). At $51,229, the local median is 2.49% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $51,229/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,372 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.49% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $51,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.49% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% above the Virginia state average of $50,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,229 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,641 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,198
2025 BLS Actual
$48,558
2026 Current Est.
$51,229
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,198 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,162 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,766 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,191 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,046 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,198 (2019) to $48,558 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,046 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,848 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $35,301 – $42,551 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,551 – $51,229 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,229 – $65,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,271 – $73,445 |
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 Chesapeake
An examination of the local job market reveals that 63 veterinary technologists and technicians are currently employed in Chesapeake, reflecting an ongoing demand for these roles. The area's cost-of-living index is 103.2, indicating that while salaries might be slightly above the national average, the higher living costs affect purchasing power. Consequently, broader employment opportunities can be found in corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl, where pay scales are often tiered and can deliver substantial increases for those with VTS specialty credentials. In specialty referral hospitals, particularly in areas such as emergency care and oncology, earning potential is maximized due to the advanced training required. To optimize pay within this market, pursuing specialty certification and seeking positions in hospitals that value advanced skills, such as 24-hour ER facilities, can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chesapeake, VA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Chesapeake?
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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 $48,558 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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