Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Tampa, FL: $23.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Tampa, FL runs $23.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,691 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Tampa's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,822 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tampa, Florida, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $23.90 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This rate significantly impacts the earning potential for part-time workers who may seek to work three days a week, fostering flexibility in their schedules while still earning a competitive wage. Per diem positions can vary widely in pay, often allowing individuals to capitalize on specialty skills or demand during peak times. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $19.10 hourly, while experienced technicians might earn up to $30.12 per hour. With a total employment of 1,820 individuals in this sector within the region, these figures reflect a strong demand for skilled veterinary professionals in diverse settings, ranging from general practice clinics to university teaching hospitals and specialty facilities.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.10 | $152.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.00 | $160.02 |
| Median (P50) | $23.90 | $191.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.02 | $208.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.12 | $240.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tampa
Based on $23.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.90/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tampa, FL can expect to earn approximately $49,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,675. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tampa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tampa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $955.83 | $4,142 | $49,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.50 | $2,485 | $29,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.33 | $1,657 | $19,881 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Tampa) | $23.90 |
| 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 Tampa, FL earn a median of $49,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.59% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% above the Florida state average of $47,642.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.90/hr = $29,822/year (purchasing power: $29,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,703/year (purchasing power: $49,265).
CoL index: 100.89 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Tampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tampa grew 50.4% from $15.06/hr (2019) to $22.65/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.21/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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Analyzing the pay scale reveals intriguing insights about the veterinary technologist and technician profession in Tampa. A part-time employee working 24 hours a week could take home around $29,795 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts who sometimes earn closer to $49,691. The per diem roles pay differently, with many technicians billing $25-$40 per hour, while VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can command even higher, often between $35-$55 per hour. Additionally, the employer type affects hourly rates; corporate chain hospitals might not offer the same competitive pay as specialty or university institutions. Some technicians opt for roles that might pay less but provide valuable benefits like health insurance. This trade-off can be crucial during negotiations. When discussing pay, remaining informed about the range based on employer type and being prepared to advocate for rates reflective of one's qualifications will benefit prospective employees in navigating the Tampa job market.
More salary data for Tampa, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Tampa in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Tampa?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Tampa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Tampa?
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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 Tampa. 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