Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Melbourne, FL: $23.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Melbourne, FL runs $23.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Melbourne's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,374 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Melbourne, Florida, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is projected to be $23.54 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This pay rate is a considerable benchmark for both full-time and part-time workers in diverse veterinary settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching institutions, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. For those opting for part-time roles, commonly working three days a week, they might expect earnings that offer greater flexibility while still maintaining a viable income. The hourly earnings can range from $17.76 for entry-level positions to as much as $30.74 for the most experienced professionals, presenting a pathway for career advancement and skill development over time.
About the Melbourne 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) | $17.76 | $142.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.16 | $153.27 |
| Median (P50) | $23.54 | $188.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.36 | $226.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.74 | $245.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Melbourne
Based on $23.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.54/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Melbourne, FL can expect to earn approximately $48,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,244. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Melbourne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Melbourne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $941.48 | $4,080 | $48,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.89 | $2,448 | $29,374 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.59 | $1,632 | $19,583 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Melbourne) | $23.54 |
| 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 Melbourne, FL earn a median of $48,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.07% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% above the Florida state average of $47,662.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.54/hr = $29,374/year (purchasing power: $29,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,957/year (purchasing power: $48,569).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Melbourne grew 34.1% from $16.63/hr (2019) to $22.31/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.83/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
When considering the earning potential of a part-time veterinary technologist and technician in Melbourne, working a three-day week could yield an annual income substantially lower than their full-time counterparts. This disparity often leads part-time professionals to supplement their income through per-diem positions. Per-diem rates typically range from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized roles, especially in high-demand areas such as emergency care, can command between $30 to $50 an hour. The pay varies considerably across various employers in Melbourne, including corporate hospitals, specialty practices, and university clinics. While some veterinary technologists may choose positions that offer lower hourly pay due to benefits like health insurance, others might prefer higher pay without those benefits for more immediate financial needs. Negotiating effectively, especially in a market that continually faces workforce shortages, is crucial for maximizing hourly compensation while finding roles that align with professional aspirations and lifestyle needs.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Melbourne in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Melbourne?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Melbourne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Melbourne?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Melbourne?
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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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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