Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in South Bend, IN: $24.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in South Bend, IN runs $24.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,049 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against South Bend's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,033 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In South Bend, Indiana, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly wage of $24.06, slightly higher than the national median of $24.03. This pay reflects the critical roles these professionals play in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. For individuals working part-time—around three days a week—the hourly rate translates into a meaningful supplement to their income, whether they are balancing multiple roles or seeking flexible work arrangements. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) figures indicate that entry-level positions start at an hourly rate of approximately $19.74, while seasoned professionals can command up to $28.90, showcasing a breadth of earning potential within this field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.74 | $157.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.52 | $164.16 |
| Median (P50) | $24.06 | $192.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.23 | $225.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.90 | $231.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Bend
Based on $24.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.06/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Bend, IN can expect to earn approximately $50,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,877. With a cost-of-living index of 92.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Bend.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Bend
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.58 | $4,171 | $50,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.55 | $2,503 | $30,033 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.03 | $1,668 | $20,022 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (South Bend) | $24.06 |
| 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 South Bend, IN earn a median of $50,049 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% below the Indiana state average of $50,453.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.06/hr = $30,033/year (purchasing power: $32,342).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,054/year (purchasing power: $53,904).
CoL index: 92.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in South Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Bend grew 35.3% from $16.86/hr (2019) to $22.81/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.39/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 South Bend 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 South Bend
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in South Bend can expect different financial outcomes compared to their full-time counterparts. Working a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week generally results in an annual income that is proportionate to their hours, making this a viable option for those prioritizing work-life balance. For per-diem or locum staff, current market trends offer enticing hourly rates that can reach between $25 and $40, especially for those with certifications like Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). In an environment with a growing demand for qualified technologists, specialty coverage shifts, such as overnight emergency roles, can offer rates between $30 and $50 per hour, depending on urgency and staffing shortages. Additionally, hourly pay can fluctuate based on employer type, with established veterinary clinics typically offering lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals, which may provide enhanced benefits packages. This trade-off often leads technicians to negotiate not just for an hourly wage but for a balance that includes health insurance and other benefits, creating complexity in their pay discussions.
More salary data for South Bend, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Bend in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in South Bend?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in South Bend paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in South Bend?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in South Bend?
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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 South Bend. 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, 7-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