Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Norfolk, VA: $51,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Norfolk, VA earns a median $51,792/year (≈ $24.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $50,186 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is set at $51,792, which is slightly above the national median of $49,986. Those in this profession in Norfolk can expect to earn within a salary range of $36,358 at the lower end to $72,138 at the upper end, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the field. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, along with adjustments for regional cost variations. Employers, particularly corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, tend to offer competitive pay scales that reflect the ongoing workforce shortage affecting the veterinary sector, making Norfolk an attractive location for veterinary professionals.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,358 | $17.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,657 | $19.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,792 | $24.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,587 | $31.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,138 | $34.68 |
Median Salary Position
3.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,780 (2026 est.). At $51,792, the local median is 3.61% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $51,792/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,381 | +2.80% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +3.61% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $51,792 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% above the Virginia state average of $50,381.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,792 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,186 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,596
2025 BLS Actual
$49,092
2026 Current Est.
$51,792
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,596 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,622 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,153 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,641 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,596 (2019) to $49,092 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,641 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,045 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $36,358 – $40,657 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,657 – $51,792 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,792 – $64,587 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,587 – $72,138 |
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 Norfolk
With 54 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the Norfolk area, the local job market demonstrates its strength amidst a growing demand for qualified professionals in the field. The cost-of-living index in Norfolk stands at 103.2, indicating that while pay is competitive, living expenses are slightly above the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power. Corporate veterinary hospitals, specifically those overseen by larger chains, typically offer higher salaries compared to general practice clinics, while specialty practices in areas like emergency care and internal medicine often pay the most. Factors driving salary disparities include credentials such as the VTS specialty, which can allow technicians to command higher rates, as well as variations in pay scales based on the clinical setting and job responsibilities. Maximizing income in Norfolk can be achieved through pursuing specialty certifications, taking advantage of just-in-time shifts, and considering roles in high-demand specialty hospitals, thereby enhancing both expertise and earning potential.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Norfolk, VA in 2026?
Is Norfolk, VA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Norfolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Norfolk?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Norfolk?
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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 $49,092 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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