Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Salem, VA: $48,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Salem, VA earns a median $48,838/year (≈ $23.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $47,324 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician salary in Salem, VA, is expected to reach a median of $48,838, slightly below the national median of $49,986. The salary range is projected to span from $36,030 at the 10th percentile to $61,264 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and account for local cost-of-living adjustments. In Salem, corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl play a significant role in determining pay scales, often offering competitive salaries that reflect their national standards. The employment landscape consists of a handful of veterinary technologists and technicians, not only positioning Salem as a unique market but also as a place where specialized skills could lead to higher earning potential.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,030 | $17.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,958 | $20.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,838 | $23.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,687 | $27.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,264 | $29.46 |
Median Salary Position
2.3% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,234 (2026 est.). At $48,838, the local median is 2.3% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be above the median
How Salem Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Salem median: $48,838/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,349 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -2.30% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Salem, VA earn a median of $48,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $50,349.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,838 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,324 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,509
2025 BLS Actual
$46,292
2026 Current Est.
$48,838
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,509 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,427 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,362 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,024 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,524 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,509 (2019) to $46,292 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,524 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,015 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $36,030 – $41,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,958 – $48,838 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,838 – $57,687 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,687 – $61,264 |
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 Salem
Analyzing the local market reveals that with only six veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed, competition for positions may be less intense, but salary ranges can vary widely due to multiple factors. The cost-of-living index in Salem stands at 103.2, indicating higher expenses relative to the national average, which directly impacts take-home pay and purchasing power. Among local employers, specialty referral hospitals tend to offer the highest salaries, while general practice clinics provide more stable employment opportunities with lower pay. Credentialing, especially through pathways like VTS, can significantly influence earning potential, leading to pay rates of $30 to $45 or more per hour for specialists. To maximize earnings in this market, pursuing additional certifications and considering employment in corporate or specialty settings could be beneficial strategies for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem, VA.
More salary data for Salem, 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 $46,292 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Salem 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 Salem 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