Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Harrisonburg, VA: $49,712 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Harrisonburg, VA earns a median $49,712/year (≈ $23.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Harrisonburg's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 94.9), that paycheck buys what $52,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Harrisonburg, Virginia, the projected median salary for veterinary technologists and technicians is estimated at $49,712 for 2026, aligning closely with the national median of $49,986. The salary range in this area spans from $37,389 at the 10th percentile, reaching up to $68,058 at the 90th percentile, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl tend to offer structured pay scales, which often results in competitive wages, especially in specialty hospitals. With the veterinary workforce facing a critical shortage and demand for skilled professionals rising, Harrisonburg's market is well-positioned, providing opportunities for those seeking to enter or advance in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,389 | $17.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,878 | $23.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,712 | $23.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,373 | $28.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,058 | $32.73 |
Median Salary Position
0.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harrisonburg
In Harrisonburg, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,669 (2026 est.). At $49,712, the local median is 0.55% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harrisonburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harrisonburg Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Harrisonburg median: $49,712/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harrisonburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,366 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.55% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Harrisonburg, VA earn a median of $49,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.55% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Virginia state average of $50,366.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harrisonburg has a cost of living 5.11% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Harrisonburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 94.892 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,712 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,388 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,900
2025 BLS Actual
$47,120
2026 Current Est.
$49,712
2019–2027 Growth
+42.1%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Harrisonburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,679 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,712 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,446 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harrisonburg metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 27.7% from $36,900 (2019) to $47,120 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,446 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,546 (42.13%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harrisonburg 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) | $37,389 – $48,878 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,878 – $49,712 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,712 – $58,373 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,373 – $68,058 |
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 Harrisonburg
The local job market employs around 40 veterinary technologists and technicians, reflecting moderate demand in a city where the cost of living is notably lower than the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 94.892. This factor enhances the purchasing power for professionals in the area. Employment options include general practice clinics, corporate chains, and specialty hospitals, with corporate facilities generally paying higher due to their tiered salary structures. The disparity between lower and higher wages can be significant, influenced by factors such as credentialing in Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) areas like emergency care or anesthesia, experience, roles in mentorship, and shift pay differentials in emergency settings. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing VTS credentials and seeking out positions in corporate or specialty hospitals may provide the best opportunities for upward mobility within Harrisonburg's veterinary job market.
More salary data for Harrisonburg, 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 $47,120 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Harrisonburg 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