Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Stratford, CT: $25.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Stratford, CT runs $25.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,427 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Stratford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,060 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Stratford, Connecticut, is projected to be $25.69, surpassing the national median of $24.03 per hour. This increase highlights the growing demand for qualified professionals in the field, given the acute veterinary technician workforce shortage. For part-time workers, typically employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to $25.69 for their shifts, providing a steady income while allowing for flexibility. Per-diem opportunities in this sector can range from $18.45 to $33.34 depending on experience and role, enabling professionals to adjust their work schedules while earning competitive rates. The hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Stratford reveal a wide gap, from $18.45 at the entry-level to $33.34 for those at the top of the pay scale, illustrating the variety of settings in which they operate, including general practices, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Stratford 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) | $18.45 | $147.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.76 | $174.12 |
| Median (P50) | $25.69 | $205.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.82 | $246.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.34 | $266.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stratford
Based on $25.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.69/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stratford, CT can expect to earn approximately $53,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,827. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stratford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stratford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,027.57 | $4,453 | $53,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $616.54 | $2,672 | $32,060 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.03 | $1,781 | $21,373 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Stratford) | $25.69 |
| 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 Stratford, CT earn a median of $53,427 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.88% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Connecticut state average of $53,913.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.69/hr = $32,060/year (purchasing power: $29,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,434/year (purchasing power: $49,521).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Stratford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Stratford grew 34.1% from $18.15/hr (2019) to $24.35/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.10/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 Stratford 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 Stratford
When considering the annual take-home pay for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working in Stratford, those logging in 24 hours a week can anticipate earning roughly $31,240. While this income might seem lower compared to full-time positions, the part-time schedule offers the advantage of additional time for personal and professional pursuits, including the opportunity to further develop skills or pursue VTS specialty credentials, which can lead to higher pay rates. Per diem or agency workers in this profession can command even higher hourly pay, typically billing $25 to $40 per hour, but with the potential for VTS-credentialed specialists earning between $35 and $55. Moreover, the shifting dynamics in various employer types—ranging from general practice clinics to large corporate chains—create varying pay scales. For example, weekends or overnight shifts in emergency rooms can command rates of $30 to $50 in understaffed locations. Veterinary technologists and technicians must weigh these factors, balancing higher hourly pay against the trades-offs of benefits like health insurance, often available only in stable full-time roles. Negotiating for an advantageous hourly wage in CT is crucial, especially in light of the industry trends, to ensure compensation reflects both skill level and experience while navigating this growing job market.
More salary data for Stratford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Stratford in 2026?
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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 Stratford. 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 Stratford 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