Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bear, DE: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bear, DE runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bear's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is estimated to be $23.42 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This rate is significant for part-time workers, who may be employed three days a week and expect to earn about $448 each week. Ideal environments for these professionals include general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, teaching hospitals, and research facilities, where earnings can range from $18.65 for entry-level positions to $28.55 for more experienced technicians. The varying settings contribute to a diverse hourly pay scale consistent with the responsibilities and expertise required in the veterinary field. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the overall compensation trends observed in the region.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.65 | $149.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.56 | $156.48 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.29 | $218.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.55 | $228.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bear
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bear, DE can expect to earn approximately $48,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,105. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bear.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bear
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.84 | $4,060 | $48,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.10 | $2,436 | $29,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.74 | $1,624 | $19,486 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bear) | $23.42 |
| 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 Bear, DE earn a median of $48,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $50,851.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,229/year (purchasing power: $28,741).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,716/year (purchasing power: $47,901).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bear grew 34.1% from $16.55/hr (2019) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.71/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 Bear 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 Bear
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Bear may find their annual take-home pay significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For instance, a part-time technician working 24 hours per week could expect to earn around $23,158 annually, contrasting with a full-time role that could see professionals earning closer to $48,716. Per-diem workers in this field have the potential for higher hourly rates, often billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour depending on demand and specialty. VTS-credentialed technicians, particularly in emergency or specialty roles, can command rates between $35 and $55 per hour. The differences in pay are also influenced by employer types; while general practice clinics may offer lower overall compensation, specialty and corporate veterinary hospitals often provide more competitive rates, though benefits may vary. For those accepting lower hourly wages, health insurance and other benefits can be crucial in the decision-making process. Negotiating hourly rates can also be key in Bear's market, where knowledge of local pay scales and employer expectations can lead to effective advocacy for better compensation.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bear in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bear?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bear paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bear?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bear?
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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 Bear. 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 Bear 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