Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wilmington, DE: $24.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wilmington, DE runs $24.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,870 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,125 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $24.94 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate offers an appealing option for part-time workers, such as those committing to three days per week. With this setup, professionals can effectively balance work and personal life while still earning a reasonable income. The hourly rates range significantly, from $18.57 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to as high as $32.21 for more experienced technicians (90th percentile). Such pay is reflective of the various environments where these roles are present, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, university teaching hospitals, and even in zoo and aquarium animal medical units. Hourly figures are derived from estimated annual salary data, providing a clear insight into the expected compensation landscape.
About the Wilmington 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) | $18.57 | $148.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.13 | $161.04 |
| Median (P50) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.91 | $239.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.21 | $257.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $24.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.94/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, DE can expect to earn approximately $51,876 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,928. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $997.61 | $4,323 | $51,876 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.56 | $2,594 | $31,125 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.04 | $1,729 | $20,750 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wilmington) | $24.94 |
| 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 Wilmington, DE earn a median of $51,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.77% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.00% above the Delaware state average of $50,853.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.94/hr = $31,125/year (purchasing power: $30,605).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,876/year (purchasing power: $51,008).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilmington grew 34.1% from $17.62/hr (2019) to $23.64/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.31/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Focusing on part-time scenarios, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $31,059 annually, compared to a full-time worker's higher earnings. The per diem model presents unique opportunities, where pay rates fluctuate significantly. Per-diem veterinary techs typically bill between $25-$40 an hour, while those holding VTS credentials can command rates from $35-$55. On weekends or overnight in emergency rotation, pay can reach $30-$50, especially in markets experiencing shortages. Furthermore, hourly pay often varies across employer types; for instance, corporate chain hospitals may offer competitive rates but might also offer fewer benefits compared to specialty referral hospitals or research institutions that may pay less but provide extensive health coverage. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits is essential for aspiring veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilmington. Negotiating effectively based on experience, specialty, and the specific employer can significantly influence compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilmington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wilmington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilmington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wilmington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wilmington?
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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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