Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Fort Lauderdale, FL: $23.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Fort Lauderdale, FL runs $23.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Fort Lauderdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Lauderdale, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $23.80, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate plays a significant role for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For those working three days a week in Fort Lauderdale, the pay can provide a manageable full-time equivalent adjusted for their hours, with entry-level positions starting around $18.06 and top earners making up to $32.31 per hour. It's important to understand that these hourly values are based on estimated annual salary data, reflecting both the current economic conditions and competitiveness of this critical role in veterinary medicine.
About the Fort Lauderdale 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) | $18.06 | $144.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.54 | $156.31 |
| Median (P50) | $23.80 | $190.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.85 | $238.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.31 | $258.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Lauderdale
Based on $23.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.80/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Lauderdale, FL can expect to earn approximately $49,506 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,561. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Lauderdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Lauderdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.03 | $4,125 | $49,506 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.22 | $2,475 | $29,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.81 | $1,650 | $19,802 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Fort Lauderdale) | $23.80 |
| 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL earn a median of $49,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.90% above the Florida state average of $47,652.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.80/hr = $29,703/year (purchasing power: $29,468).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,506/year (purchasing power: $49,113).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Fort Lauderdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Lauderdale grew 34.1% from $16.82/hr (2019) to $22.56/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.11/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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale
Considering the finances of part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, working just 24 hours per week at the hourly pay could translate to around $29,510 annually, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts, emphasizing the need for strategic financial planning. Many per-diem positions allow flexibility but often come with varying rates; for instance, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Fort Lauderdale can range from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized roles like VTS-credentialed techs potentially earning $35 to $55. Moreover, those covering weekend and overnight shifts in emergency settings may earn between $30 and $50 per hour due to market shortages. Employers include general practice clinics and corporate chains, each affecting pay scales differently. While higher hourly wages can be enticing, many opt for positions with benefits despite lower rates, highlighting the importance of effective negotiation in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Fort Lauderdale, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Lauderdale in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Fort Lauderdale?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Fort Lauderdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Fort Lauderdale?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Lauderdale?
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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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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