Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $26.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Manchester, CT runs $26.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,393 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,640 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Manchester, Connecticut, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $26.15, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This difference can make a significant impact for those working part-time or as per diem professionals in various environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even university teaching hospitals. For example, part-time staff working three days a week can expect to take home a substantial amount even during a standard workweek, while per-diem workers can find themselves in an even wider hourly pay range. The hourly earnings for entry-level positions start around $19.43, while experienced professionals and those in specialized roles can command up to $34.89 per hour. These hourly rates, informative for both prospective employees and employers, are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the demand for qualified veterinary technicians in the Manchester area.
About the Manchester 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) | $19.43 | $155.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.15 | $169.22 |
| Median (P50) | $26.15 | $209.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.95 | $255.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.89 | $279.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $26.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.15/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $54,399 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,384. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,046.14 | $4,533 | $54,399 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $627.68 | $2,720 | $32,640 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.46 | $1,813 | $21,760 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Manchester) | $26.15 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $54,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.82% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $53,961.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.15/hr = $32,640/year (purchasing power: $30,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,399/year (purchasing power: $50,416).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Manchester grew 34.1% from $18.48/hr (2019) to $24.79/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.59/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can vary significantly, especially when contrasting full-time positions with those working limited hours. For instance, taking a typical schedule of 24 hours a week, one could expect an annual take-home that is considerably lower than that of a full-time employee who might benefit from additional perks, such as health insurance. Per diem roles can be quite lucrative, with common billing rates falling between $25 and $40 per hour, and some specialty technicians earning premiums of $35 to $55 per hour depending on demand. In Manchester, the diversity of workplaces—from corporate chain hospitals to veterinary specialty centers—leads to variations in hourly rates. Factors guiding this include the need for skilled technicians in specific fields, particularly in emergency settings or specialized care environments, which often justify higher pay rates. Consequently, while some technicians may choose lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay with the trade-off of fewer job benefits. Practical negotiation tips include highlighting specific skill sets or certifications, such as VTS specialty credentials, to command better hourly rates in a competitive marketplace like Manchester, CT.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Manchester?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Manchester?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
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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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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