Veterinary Technician Salary in Richmond, VA: $41,537 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $19.97/hour | $26,249 - $62,507 range
Median Annual Salary
$41,537
Hourly Rate
$19.97
/hour
Jobs in Area
102
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Richmond, VA
$41,537
San Francisco, CA
$59,973
in San Francisco, CA
Veterinary Technician Salary Range in Richmond, VA
Annual Salary Range
$26k
10th percentile
$35k
25th
$51k
75th
$63k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $26,249 | $12.62 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,957 | $16.81 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $41,537 | $19.97 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,740 | $24.39 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $62,507 | $30.05 |
| Average (Mean) | $44,603 | $21.44 |
Veterinary Technician Market Insights for Richmond, VA
Compensation Overview
Veterinary Technician compensation in Richmond, VA aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $26,249 to $62,507 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Richmond, VA offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Virginia economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Veterinary Technician profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 138% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 50% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-5%
vs National Avg
-4%
vs State Avg
138%
Salary Range
102
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Veterinary Technician salary growth in Richmond, VA based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$26,249
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$34,957
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$41,537
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$50,740
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$62,507
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Veterinary Technician Job Market in Richmond, VA
Where Veterinary Technicians Work
Veterinary Technicians work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Richmond, VA compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Richmond, VA
- •Research major employers in the Richmond area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Virginia
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Richmond, VA market rate of $41,537
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $26,249 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median veterinary technician salary in Richmond, VA is $41,537 per year ($19.97/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $26,249 for entry-level positions to $62,507 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level veterinary technicians in Richmond, VA typically start at around $26,249 per year ($12.62/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $41,537 within 3-5 years.
Veterinary Technicians in Richmond, VA earn a median hourly wage of $19.97 per hour. Hourly rates range from $12.62/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $30.05/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $26,249 and $62,507.
The median veterinary technician salary of $41,537 in Richmond, VA is slightly below the national median of $43,740 (5.0% lower). The cost of living is also 2% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of veterinary technicians in the area earn more and half earn less.
Veterinary Technicians in Richmond, VA earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $41,537 is 5.0% lower than the national median of $43,740. The cost of living is also 2% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $42,298.
The top 10% of veterinary technicians in Richmond, VA earn $62,507 or more per year ($30.05/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $50,740, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost veterinary technician salary in Richmond, VA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $41,537, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($50,740) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Richmond, VA has a specialized job market for veterinary technicians, with approximately 102 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $41,537 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 2% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your veterinary technician salary to these Richmond, VA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $26,249, 25th percentile: $34,957, 50th percentile (median): $41,537, 75th percentile: $50,740, 90th percentile (top earners): $62,507. If you earn more than $41,537, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $41,537 median base salary, veterinary technicians in Richmond, VA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced veterinary technicians with 5-10 years in Richmond, VA typically earn $50,740 (75th percentile) to $62,507 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $62,507. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $41,537.
Veterinary Technicians in Richmond, VA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($26,249) to median ($41,537) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($62,507) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $36,258 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Richmond
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
31-9096
SOC Classification
Sample Size
102
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Veterinary Technician in Richmond, VA
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Median: $41,537/yr
How Richmond, VA Compares
vs National Average
$43,740
vs Virginia Average
$43,117
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$42,298
Cost of living in Richmond, VA is 1.8% below the national average.
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