Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Michigan City, IN: $23.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Michigan City, IN runs $23.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Michigan City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,901 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Michigan City, Indiana, earn a median hourly pay of $23.96. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03, indicating that while the compensation in this city is competitive, it doesn't quite match the broader national trend. For professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate provides a decent income, giving those engaged in general practice treatment, specialty hospitals, or various clinical settings a fair wage for their expertise. Entry-level positions typically start around $19.14 per hour, while top earners can achieve rates up to $29.92 per hour. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights this range, reflecting the diverse experience levels and responsibilities among veterinary technicians in the area.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.14 | $153.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.02 | $168.12 |
| Median (P50) | $23.96 | $191.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.24 | $225.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.92 | $239.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Michigan City
Based on $23.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.96/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Michigan City, IN can expect to earn approximately $49,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,751. With a cost-of-living index of 91.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Michigan City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Michigan City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $958.36 | $4,153 | $49,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.02 | $2,492 | $29,901 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.34 | $1,661 | $19,934 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Michigan City) | $23.96 |
| 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 Michigan City, IN earn a median of $49,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.30% below the Indiana state average of $50,484.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.96/hr = $29,901/year (purchasing power: $32,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,835/year (purchasing power: $54,356).
CoL index: 91.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Michigan City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Michigan City grew 34.1% from $16.93/hr (2019) to $22.71/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.28/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 Michigan City 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 Michigan City
When assessing part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week can expect to make significantly less on an annual basis than their full-time counterparts. However, per-diem work is an attractive alternative for many, with rates for such positions ranging between $25 and $40 per hour. Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), particularly those in urgent care or specialty fields, can see hourly earnings soar to between $35 and $55. Furthermore, hospitals experiencing staffing shortages often offer enticing rates of $30 to $50 for weekend or overnight shifts. In Michigan City, hourly wages depend heavily on the type of employer — general practice clinics versus specialty hospitals or research facilities — each presenting different compensation structures. Some veterinary professionals may choose lower hourly rates for consistent health benefits, while others seek higher pay in exchange for fewer perks. Negotiating effectively for hourly roles can be key; showing specialized training, such as VTS credentials, can provide leverage for higher pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Michigan City, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Michigan City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Michigan City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Michigan City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Michigan City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Michigan City?
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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 Michigan City. 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, 3-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