Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Shelton, CT: $25.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Shelton, CT runs $25.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,979 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Shelton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,784 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelton, Connecticut, can expect a median hourly rate of $25.47, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive pay provides valuable opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers within a variety of environments, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and academic institutions. The hourly range stretches from $19.71 for entry-level positions to $32.16 for highly experienced professionals, indicating a robust earning potential across different experience levels. Those considering part-time or per-diem roles will find that these hourly rates allow for significant earnings while balancing other commitments, making it an attractive option in the veterinary field.
About the Shelton 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) | $20.98 | $167.87 |
| Median (P50) | $25.47 | $203.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.70 | $245.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.16 | $257.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelton
Based on $25.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.47/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelton, CT can expect to earn approximately $52,973 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,561. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shelton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,018.71 | $4,414 | $52,973 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $611.22 | $2,649 | $31,784 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $407.48 | $1,766 | $21,189 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Shelton) | $25.47 |
| 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 Shelton, CT earn a median of $52,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.99% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.80% below the Connecticut state average of $53,950.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.47/hr = $31,784/year (purchasing power: $29,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,973/year (purchasing power: $49,094).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Shelton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelton grew 34.1% from $18.00/hr (2019) to $24.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.87/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 Shelton 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 Shelton
Delving deeper into the financial landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelton, part-time professionals working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would earn a significantly lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem workers, commonly billing between $25 and $40 per hour, could see varied pay rates influenced by their specialization and the market demand. For instance, Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) may command $35 to $55 per hour, particularly for roles in emergency and critical care, reflecting the acute workforce shortage in the field. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly pay for the benefits of health insurance offered by corporate chains or specialty practices, others may prefer higher pay from private clinics without such perks. In Shelton, negotiation can be pivotal; understanding the local cost of living and employer pay-scaled impact from corporate consolidations can empower candidates to secure competitive rates.
More salary data for Shelton, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Shelton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Shelton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Shelton?
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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 Shelton. 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 Shelton 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