Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Hampton, VA: $50,315 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Hampton, VA earns a median $50,315/year (≈ $24.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $48,755 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career in veterinary technology, the projected median annual salary is $50,315 in Hampton, VA. This figure places the city slightly above the national median of $49,986, illustrating a competitive local market. The salary range for veterinary technologists and technicians in this area spans from $38,463 at the 10th percentile to $68,678 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the wide variety in pay based on factors such as experience and specialization. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, suggest that positions at specialty referral hospitals typically offer higher compensation compared to general practice clinics, a trend that is increasingly important as the field faces a workforce shortage.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,463 | $18.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,513 | $19.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,315 | $24.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,311 | $30.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,678 | $33.02 |
Median Salary Position
0.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,215 (2026 est.). At $50,315, the local median is 0.66% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Hampton median: $50,315/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,365 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.66% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Hampton, VA earn a median of $50,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $50,365.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,315 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,755 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,553
2025 BLS Actual
$47,692
2026 Current Est.
$50,315
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,492 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,692 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,315 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,082 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $35,553 (2019) to $47,692 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,082 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,529 (49.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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) | $38,463 – $41,513 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,513 – $50,315 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,315 – $63,311 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,311 – $68,678 |
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 Hampton
Hampton’s job market for veterinary technologists and technicians employs 24 individuals, providing a niche yet promising employment landscape. The cost of living index in the area stands at 103.2, which indicates slightly elevated living expenses compared to the national average. This can affect take-home pay, particularly for those in entry-level roles. Among various employers, specialty hospitals often provide the highest pay, with opportunities for increased earnings available through advanced credentials like VTS in anesthesia or emergency care. The variance in pay can be attributed to several factors including the type of setting, whether it's a corporate chain like VCA or BluePearl, and additional pay for shifts at emergency clinics. To maximize earnings, professionals should pursue specialty certifications and seek employment in high-demand areas, ensuring they leverage the current market trends effectively.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hampton, VA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Hampton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Hampton?
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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 $47,692 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Hampton 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 Hampton 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