Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hammond, IN: $23.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hammond, IN runs $23.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,083 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,453 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hammond, Indiana, the projected hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $23.60, which slightly trails the national median of $24.03. This rate provides opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions, allowing individuals to work in various settings, including general practice clinics, emergency care facilities, and even within university teaching hospitals. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the effective income can be appealing, while the hourly range extends from $18.14 for entry-level positions to as much as $32.07 for those with significant experience and specialized credentials. These figures reflect the growing demand for skilled professionals in a landscape characterized by workforce shortages and an increase in pay rates by about 25-40% over the past few years.
About the Hammond 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) | $18.14 | $145.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.60 | $188.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.23 | $233.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.07 | $256.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $23.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.60/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, IN can expect to earn approximately $49,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,320. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $944.01 | $4,091 | $49,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.41 | $2,454 | $29,453 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.61 | $1,636 | $19,635 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hammond) | $23.60 |
| 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 Hammond, IN earn a median of $49,083 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $50,445.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.60/hr = $29,453/year (purchasing power: $32,260).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,089/year (purchasing power: $53,766).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hammond grew 34.1% from $16.68/hr (2019) to $22.37/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.90/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
When considering the financial dynamics of working part-time as a veterinary technologist and technician in Hammond, a 24-hour workweek translates to about $29,568 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. Additionally, per-diem workers can earn higher hourly rates, frequently billing between $25 and $40 per hour. In specialty roles, particularly for Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), hourly compensation can soar to between $35 and $55, especially during late-night or weekend shifts at emergency facilities. Employers vary widely in their pay scales; corporate entities and specialized hospitals often provide distinct compensation packages with differing benefits. Consequently, some individuals may opt for positions that offer lower hourly pay but include health insurance to balance the trade-offs between immediate pay and long-term job stability. Understanding these dynamics can help prospective professionals negotiate effectively in Hammond's evolving veterinary market.
More salary data for Hammond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hammond in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hammond?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hammond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hammond?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hammond?
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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 Hammond. 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 Hammond 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