Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Gary, IN: $24.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Gary, IN runs $24.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Gary's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gary, Indiana, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $24.30, which surpasses the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate offers promising opportunities for those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, as well as for per-diem workers in various settings, including general practice and emergency care. With hourly earnings typically ranging from $17.87 at entry-level positions to as high as $33.53 for experienced professionals, the potential for growth exists within this field. The variance in pay reflects differences in experience, qualifications, and work settings, from university veterinary clinics to specialty hospitals, providing a flexible earning structure suitable for individuals seeking various employment arrangements.
About the Gary 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) | $17.87 | $142.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.43 | $155.46 |
| Median (P50) | $24.30 | $194.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.97 | $231.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.53 | $268.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gary
Based on $24.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.30/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gary, IN can expect to earn approximately $50,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,156. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.87 | $4,211 | $50,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $583.12 | $2,527 | $30,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.75 | $1,685 | $20,215 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Gary) | $24.30 |
| 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 Gary, IN earn a median of $50,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $50,476.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.30/hr = $30,322/year (purchasing power: $33,212).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,537/year (purchasing power: $55,353).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gary grew 34.1% from $17.17/hr (2019) to $23.03/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.63/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 Gary 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 Gary
For those working part-time in veterinary technology, a three-day workweek can yield an annual take-home pay that is significantly lower than a full-time income; however, it still offers a practical solution for many. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians usually command billing rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty techs who have VTS credentials often earning between $35 and $55. Weekend and overnight emergency care spots are sometimes listed at $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting the urgent need for qualified professionals in these markets. Hourly rates can differ widely depending on the type of employer, with general practice clinics typically offering lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialized hospitals. While some may opt for jobs with lower hourly pay due to health insurance benefits, others may negotiate higher pay rates without benefits. Being aware of current market trends and specific employer policies can aid candidates in effectively negotiating their worth in the competitive Gary, IN job market.
More salary data for Gary, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gary in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gary?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Gary paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Gary?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gary?
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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 Gary. 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 Gary 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