Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Suffolk, VA: $49,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Suffolk, VA earns a median $49,526/year (≈ $23.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $47,990 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, those working as veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $49,526 in 2026, reflecting the dynamics within both specialty hospitals and general practice clinics. The salary for these professionals spans a range from $38,947 at the lower end to $68,367 for those in higher-paying positions. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted to reflect regional cost factors. While the pay is slightly below the national median of $49,986, the local market is influenced by the demand for skilled veterinary technicians and the ongoing workforce shortage in the field. Specialty hospitals often provide higher salaries compared to general practices, particularly for those with advanced expertise or credentials.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,947 | $18.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,516 | $19.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,526 | $23.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,056 | $28.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,367 | $32.87 |
Median Salary Position
0.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,420 (2026 est.). At $49,526, the local median is 0.92% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $49,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,382 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -0.92% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $49,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.92% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $50,382.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,526 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,990 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,995
2025 BLS Actual
$46,944
2026 Current Est.
$49,526
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,995 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,888 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,337 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,588 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,250 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $34,995 (2019) to $46,944 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,250 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,255 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $38,947 – $41,516 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,516 – $49,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,526 – $59,056 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,056 – $68,367 |
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 Suffolk
Currently, there are about 15 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Suffolk, VA, highlighting a localized job market where opportunities may be limited yet impactful. The cost of living in Suffolk is indexed at 103.2, indicating that while salaries may not be on par with national averages, the relative affordability of the area can enhance take-home purchasing power. Top-paying employers typically include specialty referral hospitals and corporate chain practices like VCA, which tend to offer additional benefits and shift differentials. Factors such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential can significantly elevate earning potential, with those specializing in emergency and critical care, anesthesia, or internal medicine commanding higher wages. For those in the Suffolk market, pursuing specialty credentials, expanding skill sets, and considering shifts at 24-hour emergency hospitals can be effective strategies for maximizing pay.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Suffolk?
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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 $46,944 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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