Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Haven, CT: $25.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in West Haven, CT runs $25.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,714 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against West Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,626 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In West Haven, Connecticut, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $25.34, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay offers significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers who may typically be engaged in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICU/Emergency and Critical Care wards, university teaching hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $19.69 per hour and top earners reaching up to $33.76, the pay range allows professionals to find suitable roles that match their qualifications and commitments. It’s important to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries, which reflect the current economic climate and the various demands placed on veterinary technologists and technicians in West Haven.
About the West Haven 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) | $19.69 | $157.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.07 | $168.55 |
| Median (P50) | $25.34 | $202.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.01 | $248.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.76 | $270.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Haven
Based on $25.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.34/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Haven, CT can expect to earn approximately $52,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,409. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,013.64 | $4,392 | $52,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.19 | $2,635 | $31,626 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.46 | $1,757 | $21,084 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (West Haven) | $25.34 |
| 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 West Haven, CT earn a median of $52,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $53,955.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.34/hr = $31,626/year (purchasing power: $29,310).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,709/year (purchasing power: $48,850).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Haven grew 34.1% from $17.91/hr (2019) to $24.02/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.73/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 West Haven 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 West Haven
Evaluating working arrangements, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician in West Haven, clocking in at three days a week, could make around $31,321 annually, a figure that highlights considerable earning potential compared to those in full-time positions. Per-diem or agency technicians often command pay rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty VTS-credentialed technicians earning even higher, often between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend or overnight shifts in emergency settings can range from $30 to $50 per hour, especially in high-demand markets. The difference in hourly rates can also be influenced by employer types, such as corporate chain hospitals and specialized facilities. While some veterinary technologists may choose to accept lower hourly wages for the added benefits of health insurance, others pursue higher pay without benefits. For those looking to negotiate locally, it’s essential to understand the market conditions and highlight any specialty credentials or additional skills that might justify a higher pay rate in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for West Haven, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Haven in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Haven?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in West Haven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in West Haven?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West Haven?
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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 West Haven. 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 West Haven 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