Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $50,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Milwaukee, WI earns a median $50,397/year (≈ $24.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Milwaukee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $51,989 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Milwaukee, WI, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median annual salary of $50,397 in 2026. This value positions the local wage higher than the national median of $49,986, reflecting a regional pay scale that supports the growing veterinary workforce. Salary ranges in the area span from a lower decile of $40,829 to an upper decile of $62,456, indicating competitive compensation across various employment settings. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, showcasing the city's adaptation to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary care. Given Milwaukee's vibrant mix of corporate chain hospitals and specialty clinics, the market remains promising for both seasoned veterans and newcomers in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,829 | $19.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,612 | $22.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,397 | $24.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,289 | $28.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,456 | $30.03 |
Median Salary Position
0.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, WI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,627 (2026 est.). At $50,397, the local median is 0.82% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milwaukee Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Milwaukee median: $50,397/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $49,458 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +0.82% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $50,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% above the Wisconsin state average of $49,458.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukee has a cost of living 3.06% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 96.937 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $50,397 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,989 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.16% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,250
2025 BLS Actual
$47,770
2026 Current Est.
$50,397
2019–2027 Growth
+46.7%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,169 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 31.8% from $36,250 (2019) to $47,770 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,169 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,919 (46.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee 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) | $40,829 – $47,612 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,612 – $50,397 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,397 – $58,289 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,289 – $62,456 |
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 Milwaukee
Evaluating the job market, Milwaukee employs around 600 veterinary technologists and technicians, translating into a steady demand for these roles. With a cost of living index of 96.937, the purchasing power for these workers remains strong compared to national averages. Among local employers, corporate chain hospitals such as VCA and BluePearl typically offer higher salaries, while specialty referral hospitals pay particularly well for positions requiring advanced credentials like the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). Factors influencing salary disparities include the specialization level, shift differentials, and lead or mentor roles, especially within emergency and specialty settings. To maximize earning potential in Milwaukee's competitive environment, practitioners are encouraged to pursue VTS certification or gain experience in high-demand areas like emergency care or anesthesia, which are crucial for attaining the upper salary tiers.
More salary data for Milwaukee, 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 $47,770 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Milwaukee 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