Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Carmel, IN: $24.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Carmel, IN runs $24.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Carmel's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Carmel, Indiana, earn a median hourly rate of $24.99, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay, reflective of the region’s increased demand for skilled veterinary support staff, provides ample opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers. For those working 24 hours per week, such as in general practice or specialty clinics, the pay can significantly affect overall living standards. Entry-level positions might start as low as $19.58 per hour, while top earners can reach $33.56, illustrating a broad spectrum of earning potential within the profession. These figures highlight the benefits of seeking roles in various settings, such as emergency care or specialty hospitals, where the pay scales may differ significantly due to the roles' complexity and urgency.
About the Carmel Market
Salary estimated from Indiana 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) | $19.58 | $156.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.89 | $167.11 |
| Median (P50) | $24.99 | $199.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.66 | $245.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.56 | $268.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carmel
Based on $24.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.99/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carmel, IN can expect to earn approximately $51,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,992. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carmel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carmel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $999.72 | $4,332 | $51,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.83 | $2,599 | $31,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.89 | $1,733 | $20,794 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Carmel) | $24.99 |
| 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 Carmel, IN earn a median of $51,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% above the Indiana state average of $50,471.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.99/hr = $31,191/year (purchasing power: $34,163).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,985/year (purchasing power: $56,939).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Carmel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carmel grew 34.1% from $17.66/hr (2019) to $23.69/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.37/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 Carmel 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 Carmel
Looking at the financial prospects, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week generally take home less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, but they can still enjoy a considerable income to support their needs. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Carmel ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty techs commanding rates of $35 to $55. In urgent care settings, especially during weekends or overnight shifts, hourly rates can escalate to between $30 and $50, driven by market demand. Furthermore, the employer type plays a crucial role in determining pay; general practices typically offer lower wages than corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral facilities. Many techs must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance. When negotiating pay rates, professionals should emphasize their specialized skills and certifications to enhance their bargaining power in this evolving market.
More salary data for Carmel, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Carmel in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Carmel?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Carmel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Carmel?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Carmel?
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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 Carmel. 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 Carmel 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