Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Clearwater, FL: $24.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Clearwater, FL runs $24.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,023 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Clearwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,019 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, Florida, the hourly compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians averages $24.05, which is slightly higher than the national median of $24.03. This robust hourly rate offers promising opportunities for part-time workers, who can find stable employment in general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals. For instance, a tech working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) would earn around $576 before taxes, making this role financially viable for those balancing other commitments or pursuing further education. Entry-level positions typically start at an hourly wage of about $17.16, while experienced technicians can earn as much as $33.70 per hour, reflecting the diverse range of roles and expertise prevalent in the Clearwater region.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.16 | $137.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Median (P50) | $24.05 | $192.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.25 | $241.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.70 | $269.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clearwater
Based on $24.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.05/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clearwater, FL can expect to earn approximately $50,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,865. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clearwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clearwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.16 | $4,169 | $50,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.30 | $2,502 | $30,019 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.86 | $1,668 | $20,013 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Clearwater) | $24.05 |
| 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 Clearwater, FL earn a median of $50,023 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% above the Florida state average of $47,641.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.05/hr = $30,019/year (purchasing power: $29,781).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,032/year (purchasing power: $49,635).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clearwater grew 34.1% from $17.00/hr (2019) to $22.80/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.38/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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater
Examining part-time and per-diem work in Clearwater reveals distinct earning potentials for veterinary technologists and technicians. A tech working a consistent three-day schedule could anticipate annual earnings of around $29,952, considerably less than their full-time counterparts; however, some may opt for per-diem roles that typically pay between $25 and $40 per hour. In fact, specialists with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can command an hourly rate of $35 to $55, particularly in high-demand areas such as emergency care. Across various employer types, such as corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and university facilities, rates can fluctuate, with emergency shifts often offering bonuses for weekend and overnight coverage. Ultimately, while some veterinary professionals may choose lower hourly pay for benefits such as health insurance, others might prioritize higher rates available through agency work. For those navigating this diverse market, proactive negotiation can help maximize hourly compensation, particularly for specialized roles in Clearwater.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clearwater in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Clearwater?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Clearwater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Clearwater?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Clearwater?
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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 Clearwater. 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 Clearwater 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