Agriculture & Environment Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Veterinary Technician Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median veterinary technician salary in Salem, OR is $39,015 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$39,015
vs State Avg
$-3,060
vs National
+$765
Cost of Living
102%

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

Salem offers a median veterinary technician salary of $39,015, which is $3,060 below the Oregon state average of $42,075. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $27,540 at the 10th percentile to $56,100 at the 90th percentile — a $28,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,580, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $54,060. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $29,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $54,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,580
+$580 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,780
+$780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$54,060
+$1,060 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $27,540
25th Percentile $32,640
Median (50th) $39,015
75th Percentile $46,920
90th Percentile $56,100

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Portland, OR
$45,135
Pop. 652,503
Hillsboro, OR
$42,840
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$41,310
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$40,163
Pop. 176,654

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Salem

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Salem and the surrounding Oregon 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Salem

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Salem, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Salem

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Salem, Oregon is $39,015 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $27,540 (10th percentile) to $56,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,015, a veterinary technician in Salem earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Salem's median veterinary technician salary of $39,015 is 7.3% below the Oregon state average of $42,075. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $39,015 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Salem? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Salem 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.