Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $48,740 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $48,740/year (≈ $23.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $47,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $48,740, which is slightly below the national median of $49,986. The salary range for professionals in this field reflects a broad disparity, with earnings projected from $37,051 at the 10th percentile to $63,937 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. This pay gradient underscores the difference between general practice and specialty hospitals in the area, as positions in specialized veterinary clinics or hospitals often offer higher compensation compared to traditional veterinary practices. Understanding this dynamic can help job seekers and current professionals make informed decisions about their career path in Portsmouth.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,051 | $17.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,936 | $19.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,740 | $23.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,999 | $28.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,937 | $30.74 |
Median Salary Position
2.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,886 (2026 est.). At $48,740, the local median is 2.49% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $48,740/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,351 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.49% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $48,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.49% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $50,351.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,740 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,229 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$34,440
2025 BLS Actual
$46,199
2026 Current Est.
$48,740
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,356 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,287 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,740 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,421 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,440 (2019) to $46,199 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,421 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,981 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $37,051 – $39,936 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,936 – $48,740 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,740 – $58,999 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,999 – $63,937 |
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 Portsmouth
Currently, there are 17 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in the Portsmouth market, indicating a relatively limited local workforce. However, with a cost-of-living index of 103.2, residents may find that their take-home pay doesn’t stretch as far, highlighting the importance of evaluating job offers carefully. Specialty referral hospitals and corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl are typically the highest-paying employers, reflecting current industry trends where expertise in areas such as emergency care, internal medicine, or anesthesia commands premium salaries. The notable spread between lower and higher wages is influenced by the presence of VTS specialty credentials, varying pay scales across corporate hospital chains, and potential bonuses for leadership roles or shift differentials in 24-hour emergency facilities. To maximize earning potential in Portsmouth, seeking additional certifications, considering specialty roles, and networking within the industry are essential strategies.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Portsmouth, VA in 2026?
Is Portsmouth, VA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Portsmouth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Portsmouth?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Portsmouth?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $46,199 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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