Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Gainesville, FL: $20.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Gainesville, FL runs $20.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,263 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.7, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,358 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gainesville, Florida, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $20.32. Compared to the national hourly median of $24.03, this figure reflects a 15.45% gap, illustrating the local market's financial constraints. For those working part-time—perhaps three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a relatively stable income, particularly beneficial for individuals balancing other commitments such as continuing education or family duties. Entry-level workers in this profession may start at $16.07 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $28.67 per hour, placing the local pay range in line with many veterinary settings, including general practice, specialty hospitals, and academic institutions. This data is sourced from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics and paints a clear picture of the anticipated 2026 figures for Gainesville.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.07 | $128.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.44 | $155.55 |
| Median (P50) | $20.32 | $162.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.78 | $190.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.67 | $229.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $20.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.32/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, FL can expect to earn approximately $42,264 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,383. With a cost-of-living index of 96.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $812.77 | $3,522 | $42,264 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $487.66 | $2,113 | $25,358 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $325.11 | $1,409 | $16,906 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Gainesville) | $20.32 |
| 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 Gainesville, FL earn a median of $42,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.45% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 11.30% below the Florida state average of $47,647.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.32/hr = $25,358/year (purchasing power: $26,215).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,264/year (purchasing power: $43,692).
CoL index: 96.733 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gainesville grew 41.0% from $13.66/hr (2019) to $19.26/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.44/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
Analyzing the earning potential further, a veterinary technologist working part-time at 24 hours a week would take home around $25,257 annually—significantly less than what a full-time employee would earn. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Gainesville can vary greatly; many professionals are billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour depending on their expertise and the urgency of the assignments. Those with a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential often command hourly rates between $35 and $55. Specialty practices, particularly emergency and critical care, may offer even higher rates for weekend or overnight shifts, reaching $30 to $50 per hour in areas facing workforce shortages. Different employer types create varied pay scales—general practices typically pay less than corporate hospitals or specialty referral centers. Veterinary technologists and technicians often navigate these choices, weighing higher rates with fewer benefits against lower pay that includes health insurance. Practical negotiation strategies, such as highlighting specific skills or specializations during discussions, can help workers secure better hourly rates in Gainesville's competitive job market.
More salary data for Gainesville, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gainesville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Gainesville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
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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 Gainesville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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