Veterinary Technician Salary in Rochester, NY: $34,425 (2026)

Veterinary Technician Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median veterinary technician salary of $34,425, which is $12,240 below the New York state average of $46,665. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Rochester spans from $24,300 at the 10th percentile to $49,500 at the 90th percentile — a $25,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,100, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,700. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $26,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,100

$-2,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$35,100

$-3,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$47,700

$-5,300 vs national

Percentile	Rochester	NY State	National
10th Percentile	$24,300	$32,940	$27,000
25th Percentile	$28,800	$39,040	$32,000
Median (50th)	$34,425	$46,665	$38,250
75th Percentile	$41,400	$56,120	$46,000
90th Percentile	$49,500	$67,100	$55,000

Percentile

Rochester

10th Percentile

$24,300

25th Percentile

$28,800

Median (50th)

$34,425

75th Percentile

$41,400

90th Percentile

$49,500

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Rochester

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Rochester and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Rochester

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Rochester, NY? ▼

The median veterinary technician salary in Rochester, New York is $34,425 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $24,300 (10th percentile) to $49,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Rochester? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $34,425, a veterinary technician in Rochester earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼

Rochester's median veterinary technician salary of $34,425 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $46,665. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼

Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $34,425 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Rochester? ▼

Most veterinary technician positions in Rochester require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Rochester, New York