Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Waukesha, WI: $51,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Waukesha, WI earns a median $51,032/year (≈ $24.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $54,638 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A veterinary technologist and technician salary in Waukesha, WI, is projected to reach a median annual income of $51,032 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $49,986 by 2.09%. The salary range for these professionals varies notably, with entry-level roles earning around $37,636 and highly experienced technicians making up to $65,597, according to local estimates based on 2025 BLS data. Notably, achieving a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential, particularly in emergency and critical care or anesthesia, can lay the groundwork for even higher earnings and professional advancement. As Waukesha's veterinary job market continues to expand, candidates with specialized credentials could find themselves leading in both influence and pay.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,636 | $18.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,908 | $19.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,032 | $24.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,847 | $29.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,597 | $31.53 |
Median Salary Position
2.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,961 (2026 est.). At $51,032, the local median is 2.09% above the national median of $49,986.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukesha Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $51,032/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $49,450 | +3.20% more |
| National Average | $49,986 | +2.09% more |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $51,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $49,450.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A veterinary technologist and technician earning $51,032 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,638 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$36,059
2025 BLS Actual
$48,372
2026 Current Est.
$51,032
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,059 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,019 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,041 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,656 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,839 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $36,059 (2019) to $48,372 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,839 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,780 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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) | $37,636 – $40,908 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,908 – $51,032 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,032 – $60,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,847 – $65,597 |
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 Waukesha
With 14 veterinary technologists and technicians currently employed in Waukesha, the local job market shows promise amidst a strong demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living index is at 93.4, indicating that the area is below the national average, which may enhance purchasing power for those in the field. Employers such as specialty referral hospitals—especially those focusing on surgery, emergency care, or internal medicine—often offer the highest salaries compared to general practice clinics or corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl. The disparity in earnings is driven by factors such as specialization and the operational scale of the employer; those with the VTS credential typically command higher salaries. To maximize pay in Waukesha, professionals should continuously seek out advanced training and certifications, while also considering roles in specialty practices to capitalize on the growing demand for veterinary services.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waukesha, WI in 2026?
Is Waukesha, WI a good place to work as a veterinary technologist and technician?
Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Waukesha?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted veterinary technologist and technician salary in Waukesha?
How much does a veterinary technologist and technician make per hour in Waukesha?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $48,372 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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