Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Winchester, VA: $47,721 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Winchester, VA earns a median $47,721/year (≈ $22.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Winchester's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $46,241 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winchester, VA, prospective veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of approximately $47,721. This figure represents a slight decline of about 4.53% compared to the national median of $49,986, yet it reveals a salary range from $37,341 at the lower end (P10) to $60,655 at the higher end (P90). These numbers, projected for 2026, are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living considerations. While corporate chain hospitals, such as VCA and BluePearl, often influence pay scales within the area, the local veterinary market reflects an ongoing demand — especially as the workforce shortage persists across the veterinary industry.
About the Winchester Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,341 | $17.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,659 | $19.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,721 | $22.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,851 | $27.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,655 | $29.16 |
Median Salary Position
4.53% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winchester
In Winchester, VA, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,314 (2026 est.). At $47,721, the local median is 4.53% below the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winchester Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Winchester median: $47,721/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $50,392 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.53% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Winchester, VA earn a median of $47,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.53% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.30% below the Virginia state average of $50,392.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winchester has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Winchester, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,721 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,241 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,580
2025 BLS Actual
$45,233
2026 Current Est.
$47,721
2019–2027 Growth
+59.4%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Winchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,721 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,345 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winchester metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 43.2% from $31,580 (2019) to $45,233 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,345 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,765 (59.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winchester 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) | $37,341 – $39,659 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,659 – $47,721 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,721 – $56,851 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,851 – $60,655 |
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 Winchester
An analysis of the job market in Winchester reveals that, with only four veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed locally, there is substantial potential for growth in this field. The cost of living index in the area stands at 103.2, which indicates that take-home pay may stretch less than it would in lower-cost regions. Corporate practices typically offer higher compensation, and specialties in emergency care, anesthesia, or internal medicine can yield even more attractive salaries due to the VTS credential. The disparity between lower and upper salaries can often be attributed to factors such as the type of facility (for instance, specialty hospitals versus general practices), leadership roles, and shift differentials at emergency clinics. To maximize earning potential in this competitive market, striving for VTS specialization and seeking employment with corporate chains or specialty hospitals in Winchester can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Winchester, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Winchester, VA in 2026?
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Winchester?
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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 $45,233 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Winchester 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 Winchester 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