Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in East Chicago, IN runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians in East Chicago, Indiana, is projected to be $23.42 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, which indicates that local salaries may be competitive but not on par with national averages. For part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly rate translates into varying weekly earnings depending on their schedules; for example, those working three days a week will have opportunities for substantial income without the commitment of full-time work. In terms of earnings, entry-level positions might see hourly rates starting at approximately $18.37, whereas top earners in specialized settings could command up to $30.69, highlighting the diverse earning potential available to technicians across different veterinary environments, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.
About the East Chicago 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) | $18.37 | $146.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.41 | $227.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.69 | $245.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $48,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,105. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.84 | $4,060 | $48,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.10 | $2,436 | $29,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.74 | $1,624 | $19,486 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (East Chicago) | $23.42 |
| 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 East Chicago, IN earn a median of $48,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $50,485.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,229/year (purchasing power: $32,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,716/year (purchasing power: $53,358).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in East Chicago grew 34.1% from $16.55/hr (2019) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.71/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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician clocking in at 24 hours a week would take home approximately $28,321 annually, which is a modest income compared to full-time counterparts. In the realm of per diem employment, compensation can range significantly, with many technicians billing $25 to $40 per hour. Specialty roles, particularly for VTS-certified technicians, can see rates soar to $35-$55 per hour, especially in emergency and critical care situations where the demand is high. Variations in pay also exist depending on the type of employer. For example, practitioners in corporate chain hospitals might experience different pay scales than those working in university teaching hospitals or private practices. While some may prefer higher hourly wages without benefits, many technicians opt for lower pay that includes health insurance and other perks. Given these dynamics, negotiations can be particularly impactful; demonstrating specialized skills or certifications can be key when discussing salary in East Chicago's evolving veterinary market.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in East Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in East Chicago?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in East Chicago paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in East Chicago?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in East Chicago?
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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 East Chicago. 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 East Chicago 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