Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cheshire, CT: $24.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cheshire, CT runs $24.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,495 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cheshire's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cheshire, Connecticut, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $24.76, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $24.03. This pay translates well for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, allowing for a steady income while maintaining flexibility. Typical roles in various settings like general practice clinics and specialty hospitals offer a competitive hourly range from $19.71 at the entry level to $31.91 for seasoned professionals. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimates derived from projected annual salary data. Thus, while navigating potential job opportunities in Cheshire, candidates can anticipate a viable income level even in a challenging workforce environment led by the veterinary technician shortage across the sector.
About the Cheshire Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.71 | $157.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.80 | $166.44 |
| Median (P50) | $24.76 | $198.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.71 | $237.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.91 | $255.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cheshire
Based on $24.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cheshire, CT can expect to earn approximately $51,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,713. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cheshire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cheshire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $990.43 | $4,292 | $51,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $594.26 | $2,575 | $30,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.17 | $1,717 | $20,601 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cheshire) | $24.76 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Cheshire, CT earn a median of $51,495 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.02% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.50% below the Connecticut state average of $53,921.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.76/hr = $30,902/year (purchasing power: $28,639).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,503/year (purchasing power: $47,732).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cheshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cheshire grew 34.1% from $17.50/hr (2019) to $23.47/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.12/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheshire 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.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Cheshire
Professions in veterinary technology can often lead to diverse earning pathways, especially for those considering part-time schedules. A veterinary technologist or technician working a 24-hour week may generate a significant total annual yield compared to a full-time position, allowing some flexibility in work-life balance while still earning a respectable income. Per diem roles are particularly lucrative in Cheshire, with pay ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general coverage, and specialty technicians with VTS credentials can command between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts at often understaffed emergency hospitals can bring earnings to $30-$50 per hour, especially in shortage markets. Different employer types can also greatly influence pay scales, ranging from corporate veterinary chains to research labs and specialty hospitals targeting specific subsets in animal care. Individuals might accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance, but those prioritizing higher pay may forgo traditional benefits. It's advisable for job seekers to negotiate salaries carefully, especially in Cheshire's competitive market, focusing on their qualifications, experience, and potential to meet the unique needs of employers.
More salary data for Cheshire, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cheshire in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cheshire?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cheshire paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cheshire?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cheshire?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cheshire. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cheshire 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