Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $51,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Virginia Beach, VA earns a median $51,030/year (≈ $24.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Virginia Beach's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.9), that paycheck buys what $52,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Virginia Beach, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median annual salary of $51,030, which reflects a competitive edge over the national median of $49,986. The salary range in this region varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $37,442 and top earners reaching up to $66,560. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026, illustrates the lucrative opportunities that exist, especially in specialty hospitals compared to general practice settings. As the demand for skilled veterinary professionals grows, understanding where the highest compensations lie can be crucial for job seekers considering their next career move in Virginia Beach.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,442 | $18.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,709 | $23.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,030 | $24.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,981 | $29.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,560 | $32.00 |
Median Salary Position
2.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,118 (2026 est.). At $51,030, the local median is 2.09% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Virginia Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Virginia Beach Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Virginia Beach median: $51,030/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Virginia Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,375 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.09% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $51,030 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% above the Virginia state average of $50,375.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Virginia Beach has a cost of living 2.06% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Virginia Beach, VA has a cost-of-living index of 97.941 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $51,030 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,103 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,350
2025 BLS Actual
$48,370
2026 Current Est.
$51,030
2019–2027 Growth
+61.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,837 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 45.0% from $33,350 (2019) to $48,370 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,837 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,487 (61.43%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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) | $37,442 – $48,709 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,709 – $51,030 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,030 – $61,981 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,981 – $66,560 |
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 Virginia Beach
With 470 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in the Virginia Beach area, the job market for this occupation remains robust. The area's cost-of-living index of 97.941 suggests a lower living expense compared to the national average, enhancing the overall purchasing power for residents. Many employers in Virginia Beach, particularly corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, are known for offering competitive packages, but specialty referral hospitals often set the highest pay scales, especially for those with the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential. The variance in salaries is influenced by factors like the level of certification, shift differentials, and the specific work environment, proving essential for maximizing earnings in this field. For those in the market, pursuing advanced credentials and seeking positions in specialty care can be effective strategies for achieving premium salaries in Virginia Beach, VA.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Virginia Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Virginia Beach?
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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 $48,370 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Virginia Beach 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