Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Middletown, DE: $22.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Middletown, DE runs $22.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,176 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Currently, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Middletown, Delaware, is projected to be $22.58 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This figure reflects the potential earnings for individuals employed in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals. For part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, this translates to a varied income based on their hours. Moreover, entry-level positions begin at around $17.80 per hour, climbing to $28.15 for more experienced professionals. The estimated hourly rates suggest a competitive landscape, even for per-diem roles, which often appeal to those seeking flexibility while practicing in diverse environments like veterinary schools, zoos, or pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Middletown 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) | $17.80 | $142.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.73 | $149.81 |
| Median (P50) | $22.58 | $180.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.64 | $213.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.15 | $225.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $22.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.58/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, DE can expect to earn approximately $46,960 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,092. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $903.08 | $3,913 | $46,960 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $541.85 | $2,348 | $28,176 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.23 | $1,565 | $18,784 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Middletown) | $22.58 |
| 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 Middletown, DE earn a median of $46,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $50,832.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.58/hr = $28,176/year (purchasing power: $27,705).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,960/year (purchasing power: $46,175).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Middletown grew 34.1% from $15.95/hr (2019) to $21.40/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.82/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
When evaluating part-time earnings versus full-time positions, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could anticipate a lower annual take-home income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles typically offer higher hourly rates, with vet techs charging between $25 and $40 per hour, and those with specialized VTS credentials potentially earning between $35 and $55. In Middletown, the hourly pay can fluctuate significantly based on the type of employer; general practices generally offer lower wages than corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl, while specialty hospitals may provide higher rates. While higher hourly wages can be enticing, many veterinary professionals weigh these against benefits such as health insurance that may come with salaried positions. Negotiation becomes crucial, particularly in an area facing workforce shortages, and understanding local pay scales can empower candidates to secure better terms for their hourly roles.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Middletown?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Middletown?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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