Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Elkhart, IN: $23.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Elkhart, IN runs $23.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,308 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Elkhart's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,992 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Elkhart, Indiana, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $23.23 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate offers a competitive wage for both full-time and part-time professionals working in various animal care settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For part-time workers who typically might fill shifts three days a week, this translates into supplementary income that can be appealing for those pursuing further credentials or specialty certifications. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $16.00 per hour, while those at the top end of the pay scale can earn around $29.79 per hour, reflecting the potential for growth in this dynamic field as skills and qualifications increase. The figures presented here are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.00 | $128.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.62 | $156.98 |
| Median (P50) | $23.23 | $185.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.79 | $206.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.79 | $238.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elkhart
Based on $23.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elkhart, IN can expect to earn approximately $48,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,877. With a cost-of-living index of 90.33 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elkhart.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elkhart
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.24 | $4,027 | $48,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.55 | $2,416 | $28,992 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.70 | $1,611 | $19,328 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Elkhart) | $23.23 |
| 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 Elkhart, IN earn a median of $48,308 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.36% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $50,479.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.23/hr = $28,992/year (purchasing power: $32,098).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,321/year (purchasing power: $53,496).
CoL index: 90.325 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elkhart (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elkhart grew 47.3% from $14.95/hr (2019) to $22.02/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.51/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 Elkhart 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 Elkhart
Focusing on the financial landscape for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elkhart reveals distinctive earning dynamics, especially for part-time and per-diem workers. A veterinary technologist and technician putting in three 8-hour shifts weekly might expect around $36,386 annually, a significant contrast to full-time earnings. Per diem positions tend to offer higher hourly wages, with many billing between $25 and $40, while specialty technicians might command rates of $35 to $55 per hour. The need for weekend and overnight coverage in emergency facilities can push rates even higher, often ranging from $30 to $50 per hour in high-demand areas. Employers across various sectors, from corporate chains to specialty hospitals, may offer different rates that reflect their unique operational needs. While some practitioners may opt for slightly lower hourly compensation in exchange for health benefits, the key is to balance immediate earning potential with long-term professional development. Negotiation remains vital; understanding market rates and articulating one's specialized training can significantly impact pay, especially for those with VTS credentials, making them a compelling asset in an increasingly competitive job market.
More salary data for Elkhart, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elkhart in 2026?
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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 Elkhart. 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, 6-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