Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Meriden, CT: $25.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Meriden, CT runs $25.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Meriden's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,955 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Meriden, CT, earn a median hourly pay of $25.60, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate benefits various employment situations, allowing part-time or per-diem workers to thrive in settings such as general practice facilities, specialty hospitals, university clinics, animal medical units at zoos, and pharmaceutical research labs. With an hourly range from $20.30 to $33.05, aspiring veterinary professionals can find lucrative opportunities as they gain experience. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end of this spectrum, while seasoned technologists and those with specialized credentials can command higher wages, reflecting the skills and expertise they bring to animal healthcare services.
About the Meriden 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) | $20.30 | $162.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.59 | $172.68 |
| Median (P50) | $25.60 | $204.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.62 | $244.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.05 | $264.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meriden
Based on $25.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.60/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meriden, CT can expect to earn approximately $53,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,726. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Meriden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meriden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,024.19 | $4,438 | $53,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $614.52 | $2,663 | $31,955 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.68 | $1,775 | $21,303 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Meriden) | $25.60 |
| 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 Meriden, CT earn a median of $53,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.53% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Connecticut state average of $53,949.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.60/hr = $31,955/year (purchasing power: $29,615).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,258/year (purchasing power: $49,359).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Meriden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Meriden grew 34.1% from $18.09/hr (2019) to $24.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.01/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 Meriden 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 Meriden
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week (24 hours) in Meriden often face a different financial picture compared to their full-time counterparts. Based on their hourly rates, these professionals could earn roughly $31,680 annually, leaving room for additional income through per-diem roles. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Meriden typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with credentialed specialty technicians earning between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in in-demand areas such as emergency coverage during evenings and weekends. Employers, including corporate chains and specialty referral hospitals, may offer varying pay scales and benefits. Some professionals choose to accept slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate can significantly impact earning potential, so being well-informed about pay trends and market demands will serve as an advantage in discussions with prospective employers in the Meriden area.
More salary data for Meriden, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Meriden in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Meriden?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Meriden paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Meriden?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Meriden?
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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 Meriden. 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 Meriden 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