Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Winter Haven, FL: $22.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Winter Haven, FL runs $22.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Winter Haven's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,807 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winter Haven, Florida, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $22.28, which falls short of the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly wage reflects a range that stretches from $16.71 for entry-level positions to as high as $29.80 for those at the top of their game. For veterinary professionals considering part-time or per-diem roles—common in settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or research facilities—this pay translates to varying earnings based on hours worked. Part-time workers, for instance, who might schedule three days a week, typically clocking in around 24 hours, can expect a stable yet modest income, while per-diem techs often see higher pay rates that accommodate their flexible work schedules.
About the Winter Haven 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) | $16.71 | $133.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.07 | $144.58 |
| Median (P50) | $22.28 | $178.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.27 | $218.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.80 | $238.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winter Haven
Based on $22.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.28/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winter Haven, FL can expect to earn approximately $46,346 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,738. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Winter Haven.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winter Haven
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $891.26 | $3,862 | $46,346 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.76 | $2,317 | $27,807 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.51 | $1,545 | $18,538 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Winter Haven) | $22.28 |
| 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 Winter Haven, FL earn a median of $46,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.28% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% below the Florida state average of $47,635.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.28/hr = $27,807/year (purchasing power: $27,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,346/year (purchasing power: $45,978).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Winter Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Winter Haven grew 34.1% from $15.74/hr (2019) to $21.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.51/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 Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven
When looking into the nuances of per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Winter Haven, earning potential can significantly increase based on different working conditions. Part-time professionals who work 24 hours a week might take home a lower annual income compared to full-time counterparts but benefit from a better work-life balance. On the per-diem front, rates can vary widely; general per-diem techs often earn $25-$40 per hour, while those with VTS credentials can see rates reaching $35-$55 per hour, especially when covering shifts in understaffed emergency or specialty hospitals, where rates may climb to $30-$50 per hour. Different employer types—ranging from corporate chain hospitals to small general practices—also influence pay rates, with larger chains typically offering comprehensive benefits that may justify a relatively lower hourly rate. For those navigating pay negotiations, understanding the trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and more stable employment might be a strategic key, especially in the context of a workforce that has recently seen a significant pay increase due to demands in the field.
More salary data for Winter Haven, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Winter Haven in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Winter Haven?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Winter Haven paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Winter Haven?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Winter Haven?
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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 Winter Haven. 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 Winter Haven 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