Senior Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in South Burlington, VT: $68,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of veterinary technologists and technicians working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $68,376/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2056. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $66,064 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, the potential for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians to earn a top-tier salary is robust, with estimates for 2026 indicating a 90th percentile pay reaching $68,376. This figure stands out not just locally but also when compared to national averages, highlighting a healthy compensation environment for seasoned professionals. The median salary of $53,081 demonstrates a significant experience premium, suggesting that those who have accrued over seven years in the field can access notably higher earnings. To break into this upper echelon, practitioners often enhance their qualifications through advanced credentials and specializations, which are increasingly essential in a competitive job market.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced veterinary technologist and technicians at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $63,986 and $68,376 per year (2026 est.). This $27,640 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $53,081 sits 6.19% above the US median.
Top Vet Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $53,081 | $49,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,986 | $60,821 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $68,376 | $66,655 |
In South Burlington, experienced veterinary technologists and technicians (P90) earn 28.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT veterinary technologists and technicians with additional specialty certifications within the veterinary technology field earn significantly above the $53,081 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the veterinary technology field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $63,986–$68,376 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured veterinary technologists and technicians in South Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Vermont who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Career & Wage Growth Path in South Burlington
Clinical Veterinary Technologist and Technician
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Veterinary Technologist and Technician
5-10 yearsVeterinary Technologist and Technician Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #1 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner veterinary technologist and technician salary (90th percentile: $68,376).
Top 10% veterinary technologist and technician compensation in South Burlington ($68,376) is 9.28% above the Vermont average P90 ($62,572).
2019 BLS Actual
$52,553
2025 BLS Actual
$64,811
2026 Current Est.
$68,376
2019–2027 Growth
+37.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,763 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,342 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,841 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,136 | Projected |
Top-earning veterinary technologists and technicians (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 23.3% from $52,553 in 2019 to $64,811 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $72,136 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Veterinary Technologist and Technician Earnings in South Burlington
Those specializing in high-demand areas such as emergency and critical care (VTS-ECC), anesthesia and analgesia (VTS-AA), and surgery (VTS-Surgery) generally command higher rates of pay in South Burlington. Senior positions, particularly within specialty referral hospitals and corporate practice settings, tend to offer better compensation compared to general practice environments due to the complexities involved. Opportunities for career advancement are abundant, with paths leading to roles such as technician supervisor or faculty positions within accredited programs, which can significantly elevate earning potential. In addition to salary, factors such as shift differentials in 24-hour ER facilities, corporate pay scale tiers, and lead technician roles contribute to the comprehensive compensation package for senior veterinary technologists and technicians in VT. Achieving a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential is a key strategy for boosting pay and can lead to roles that command $30 to $45+ per hour, aligning well with the industry's needs and the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine in South Burlington.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced veterinary technologists and technicians make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher veterinary technologist and technician pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost veterinary technologist and technician salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced veterinary technologists and technicians make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does veterinary technologist and technician salary increase over time in South Burlington?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $64,811 for veterinary technologists and technicians in the South Burlington metro area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington 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