Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waynesboro, VA: $47,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waynesboro, VA earns a median $47,855/year (≈ $23.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waynesboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $46,371 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Waynesboro, Virginia, earn a median annual salary of $47,855, reflecting a competitive yet slightly lower compensation compared to the national median of $49,986. The full salary range extends from $37,338 for entry-level positions to $62,032 for experienced professionals, indicating a clear pay gradient influenced by the type of veterinary practice. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, reveal that positions within specialty hospitals typically yield higher compensation compared to general practice environments, suggesting that local job seekers may benefit from focusing their efforts on that sector to enhance earning potential.
About the Waynesboro Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,338 | $17.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,452 | $18.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,855 | $23.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,249 | $26.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,032 | $29.82 |
Median Salary Position
4.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waynesboro
In Waynesboro, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,694 (2026 est.). At $47,855, the local median is 4.26% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Waynesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waynesboro Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waynesboro median: $47,855/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waynesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,373 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.26% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $47,855 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.26% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $50,373.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waynesboro has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waynesboro, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,855 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,371 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,814
2025 BLS Actual
$45,360
2026 Current Est.
$47,855
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,714 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,279 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,218 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,487 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waynesboro metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,814 (2019) to $45,360 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,487 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,673 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waynesboro 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) | $37,338 – $39,452 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,452 – $47,855 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,855 – $55,249 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,249 – $62,032 |
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 Waynesboro
The local job market in Waynesboro currently employs four veterinary technologists and technicians, providing a snapshot of the demand in the area. The cost-of-living index of 103.2 suggests that while salaries are somewhat competitive, they may not stretch as far when factoring in expenses. Among employers, specialty hospitals that focus on critical care and surgical procedures tend to offer the most lucrative pay, significantly influenced by factors like Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials in emergency care or anesthesia. The disparity in pay highlights the importance of specialization and the corporate pay scales adopted by larger chains like VCA or BluePearl, which create a tiered system based on experience and certification. For those entering the field or seeking advancement in Waynesboro, pursuing a VTS credential can be a vital strategy, as it can command hourly wages exceeding $30 when positioned against the backdrop of corporate consolidation and a national workforce shortage.
More salary data for Waynesboro, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waynesboro, VA in 2026?
Is Waynesboro, VA a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Waynesboro?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Waynesboro?
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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 $45,360 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro 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