Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Waterbury, CT: $24.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Waterbury, CT runs $24.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Waterbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,152 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterbury, Connecticut, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $24.96. This rate exceeds the national median of $24.03, indicating a competitive pay scale within the state. For professionals considering part-time work—such as those seeking three-day schedules—this hourly rate translates into the opportunity to earn around $1,199 weekly, or approximately $62,348 annually if they work a full year. The hourly range for this occupation extends from $20.26 for entry-level positions, up to $32.92 for highly experienced or specialized technicians. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, reflect the demand for veterinary services in various settings including general practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, emphasizing stable earnings for both full-time and per-diem roles.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.26 | $162.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.37 | $194.96 |
| Median (P50) | $24.96 | $199.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.44 | $243.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.92 | $263.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterbury
Based on $24.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.96/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterbury, CT can expect to earn approximately $51,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,954. With a cost-of-living index of 99.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $998.45 | $4,327 | $51,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.07 | $2,596 | $31,152 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.38 | $1,731 | $20,768 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Waterbury) | $24.96 |
| 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 Waterbury, CT earn a median of $51,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.84% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.80% below the Connecticut state average of $53,956.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.96/hr = $31,152/year (purchasing power: $31,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,920/year (purchasing power: $52,035).
CoL index: 99.778 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterbury grew 7.5% from $22.01/hr (2019) to $23.66/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.33/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 Waterbury 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 Waterbury
When evaluating the earning potential of veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterbury, part-time workers can expect to see a notable difference in their income compared to full-time counterparts. For instance, if one opts to work part-time three days a week, they can anticipate making about $31,184 annually, significantly lower than full-time earnings. The per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Waterbury ranges anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour based on demand, while specialized roles, such as those with VTS credentials, can command rates between $35 and $55 per hour. Work in emergency and specialty care can push rates even higher, with weekend and overnight shifts often paying $30 to $50 per hour. Employers vary widely across the area—from corporate chain hospitals like VCA and BluePearl to independent clinics and research labs—offering different benefits and compensation structures. It's essential for professionals to effectively negotiate their pay based on their skill set and expected hours, often trading off hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance or retirement plans.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterbury in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waterbury?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterbury paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Waterbury?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Waterbury?
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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 Waterbury. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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