Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Appleton, WI: $49,458 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Appleton, WI earns a median $49,458/year (≈ $23.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Appleton's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.4), that paycheck buys what $53,515 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Appleton, Wisconsin can expect to earn a median annual salary of $49,458, which reflects a slight decrease of 1.06% compared to the national median salary of $49,986. The salary range for this profession is significant, with entry-level positions earning as low as $40,818, while experienced professionals at the top of their field can earn up to $62,382. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026, highlights the opportunities available for those pursuing the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, which can elevate earning potential in a competitive market like Appleton.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,818 | $19.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,517 | $22.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,458 | $23.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,054 | $25.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,382 | $29.99 |
Median Salary Position
1.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Appleton
In Appleton, WI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,564 (2026 est.). At $49,458, the local median is 1.06% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Appleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Appleton Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Appleton median: $49,458/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Appleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $49,986 | -1.06% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Appleton, WI earn a median of $49,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Appleton has a cost of living 7.58% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Appleton, WI has a cost-of-living index of 92.419 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $49,458 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,515 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,520
2025 BLS Actual
$46,880
2026 Current Est.
$49,458
2019–2027 Growth
+55.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,540 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,450 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,458 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,179 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Appleton metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 39.9% from $33,520 (2019) to $46,880 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,179 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,659 (55.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Appleton 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) | $40,818 – $47,517 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,517 – $49,458 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,458 – $52,054 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,054 – $62,382 |
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 Appleton
Currently, there are about 100 veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Appleton, a number that underscores a steady local demand amidst an industry-wide workforce shortage. With a cost-of-living index of 92.419, the financial landscape in Appleton allows for a relatively comfortable lifestyle, enhancing the take-home purchasing power for these professionals. Employers that typically offer higher pay include specialty and referral hospitals, which often recognize the value of credentials like VTS, particularly in fields like emergency and internal medicine. The disparity in salaries can be influenced by factors such as the type of practice, corporate pay scales differentiated by establishments like VCA and BluePearl, and additional premiums for mentoring roles or night shifts in 24-hour ER facilities. Professionals looking to maximize their veterinary technologist and technician pay in Appleton should consider pursuing further specialization or seeking positions within corporate chains or specialized care facilities.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
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 $46,880 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Appleton 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