Agriculture & Environment Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Veterinary Technician Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median veterinary technician salary in Chesapeake, VA is $37,485 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$37,485
vs State Avg
$-2,295
vs National
$-765
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median veterinary technician salary of $37,485, which is $2,295 below the Virginia state average of $39,780. Compared to the national median of $38,250, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $26,460 at the 10th percentile to $53,900 at the 90th percentile — a $27,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,420, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,940. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $28,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,940 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,420
$-580 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,220
$-780 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,940
$-1,060 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $26,460
25th Percentile $31,360
Median (50th) $37,485
75th Percentile $45,080
90th Percentile $53,900

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$50,490
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$39,015
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$38,250
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$36,720
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $37,485 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $26,460 (10th percentile) to $53,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,485, a veterinary technician in Chesapeake earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median veterinary technician salary of $37,485 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $39,780. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a veterinary technician salary of $37,485 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Chesapeake? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Chesapeake 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.