Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in St. Petersburg, FL: $23.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in St. Petersburg, FL runs $23.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against St. Petersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,651 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Petersburg, Florida, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.76, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage is reflective of roles in a diverse array of settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university teaching clinics, and even zoo or pharmaceutical research units. For part-time workers committing to three days a week, or those taking on per-diem shifts, this rate translates into a sustainable living, allowing for flexibility while working in their preferred environments. The hourly wages vary significantly from entry-level positions, starting at approximately $17.85, to seasoned specialists who can command up to $33.67 per hour, making it crucial for professionals in this field to understand what they can earn based on their experience and chosen work environment.
About the St. Petersburg 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) | $17.85 | $142.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.76 | $190.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.03 | $232.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.67 | $269.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Petersburg
Based on $23.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.76/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Petersburg, FL can expect to earn approximately $49,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,510. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in St. Petersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Petersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $950.34 | $4,118 | $49,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.21 | $2,471 | $29,651 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.14 | $1,647 | $19,767 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (St. Petersburg) | $23.76 |
| 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 St. Petersburg, FL earn a median of $49,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.13% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.70% above the Florida state average of $47,659.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.76/hr = $29,651/year (purchasing power: $29,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,418/year (purchasing power: $49,026).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in St. Petersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Petersburg grew 34.1% from $16.79/hr (2019) to $22.52/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.07/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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg
Considering the earning dynamics, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Petersburg can expect to see annual take-home amounts that differ sharply from full-time counterparts. For instance, working just 24 hours a week could net a part-time worker about $29,478 annually, while per-diem opportunities frequently offer more competitive pay. Those in agency positions often report billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists increasing earnings to between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts in emergency settings can go as high as $30 to $50 per hour due to staffing shortages. Different employers also impact hourly rates significantly, with corporate chains and specialty hospitals generally offering higher compensation than general practices. Individuals should weigh the benefits of potential higher hourly wages against the security of benefits and negotiate effectively based on local market demand and their qualifications, especially those pursuing the VTS credentialing pathway to enhance their earning potential in a competitive job market.
More salary data for St. Petersburg, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Petersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in St. Petersburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Petersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in St. Petersburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in St. Petersburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 St. Petersburg. 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 St. Petersburg 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