Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Panama City, FL: $19.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Panama City, FL runs $19.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,850 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Panama City's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,503 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Panama City, Florida, earn a median hourly rate of $19.63, which is significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity reflects the unique economic conditions of the region, impacting the compensation for professionals in animal medicine. For those working part-time, such as in general practice or specialty settings, this hourly rate translates into various earnings depending on the number of hours worked. For instance, individuals in these roles can expect to earn between $16.90 and $25.34 per hour, creating a wage range that accommodates entry-level positions as well as more experienced technicians. This information aligns with 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.90 | $135.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.07 | $152.60 |
| Median (P50) | $19.63 | $157.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.49 | $187.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.34 | $202.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Panama City
Based on $19.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.63/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Panama City, FL can expect to earn approximately $40,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,560. With a cost-of-living index of 97.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Panama City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Panama City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $785.34 | $3,403 | $40,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $471.21 | $2,042 | $24,503 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $314.14 | $1,361 | $16,335 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Panama City) | $19.63 |
| 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 Panama City, FL earn a median of $40,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.28% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 14.30% below the Florida state average of $47,666.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.63/hr = $24,503/year (purchasing power: $25,184).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,838/year (purchasing power: $41,973).
CoL index: 97.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Panama City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Panama City grew 35.1% from $13.78/hr (2019) to $18.61/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.71/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 Panama City 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 Panama City
Earnings for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can be enticing for those seeking flexibility. A technician working three days a week for 24 hours could make around $24,000 annually, contrasting sharply with a full-time salary and highlighting the benefits of flexibility. Additionally, per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Panama City can reach higher rates, often between $25 to $40 hourly, especially for VTS-credentialed specialists who can command premiums of $35 to $55 per hour. Different employers also influence hourly pay; general practice clinics tend to offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. With the ongoing veterinary workforce shortage, many technicians are negotiating their rates, balancing the allure of higher hourly pay against benefits such as health insurance. Understanding the current market and focusing on credentials can empower those in the field to secure better compensation and advance their careers.
More salary data for Panama City, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Panama City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Panama City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Panama City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Panama City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Panama City?
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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 Panama City. 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