Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Columbus, IN: $23.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Columbus, IN runs $23.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,720 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,835 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Indiana, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $23.91, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This rate provides a reasonable earning potential for those working part-time or per diem, especially in common environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or research laboratories. For practitioners working three days a week, the income can vary considerably based on experience and setting; hourly rates range from $18.30 for entry-level positions to $29.89 for more experienced professionals. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a good overview of what veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Columbus generally looks like.
About the Columbus 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) | $18.30 | $146.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.55 | $156.39 |
| Median (P50) | $23.91 | $191.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.20 | $225.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.89 | $239.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $23.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.91/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, IN can expect to earn approximately $49,725 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,688. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $956.25 | $4,144 | $49,725 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.75 | $2,486 | $29,835 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.50 | $1,658 | $19,890 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Columbus) | $23.91 |
| 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 Columbus, IN earn a median of $49,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.53% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $50,477.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.91/hr = $29,835/year (purchasing power: $32,678).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,725/year (purchasing power: $54,463).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus grew 34.1% from $16.89/hr (2019) to $22.66/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.22/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When examining part-time employment, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week can expect a significantly different annual take-home compared to full-time peers. Per diem positions are particularly lucrative; many vet techs charge between $25 and $40 an hour, with some specialized veterinary technicians earning as much as $55 per hour. Moreover, hourly rates differ based on the type of facility. General practice clinics may offer lower wages compared to corporate chains like VCA or specialty hospitals focused on surgery and emergency care, which may pay more due to increased demand. Some professionals might opt for lower hourly rates at facilities offering benefits, such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without health coverage. In Columbus, negotiating hourly pay requires understanding local market dynamics and being aware of the options available, especially as the demand for vet techs continues to rise amid ongoing workforce shortages.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Columbus?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Columbus?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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