Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Valparaiso, IN: $23.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Valparaiso, IN runs $23.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Valparaiso's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,861 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valparaiso, IN, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.93, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This rate provides a solid income for professionals working in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and zoo medical units. For part-time workers, such as those committing to a three-day workweek, this translates to a manageable work-life balance while still earning a respectable amount. Positions range from entry-level roles, starting around $18.26 per hour, to top earners who can make as much as $30.04 per hour. These hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting current trends in a market that continues to adjust to growing demands within the veterinary field.
About the Valparaiso 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) | $18.26 | $146.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.60 | $156.82 |
| Median (P50) | $23.93 | $191.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.22 | $225.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.04 | $240.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valparaiso
Based on $23.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.93/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valparaiso, IN can expect to earn approximately $49,769 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,713. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valparaiso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valparaiso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $957.10 | $4,147 | $49,769 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.26 | $2,488 | $29,861 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.84 | $1,659 | $19,908 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Valparaiso) | $23.93 |
| 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 Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $49,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.42% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $50,482.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.93/hr = $29,861/year (purchasing power: $32,707).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,769/year (purchasing power: $54,511).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Valparaiso grew 34.1% from $16.91/hr (2019) to $22.68/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.24/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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso
When analyzing the potential for part-time earnings in this profession, individuals working as veterinary technologists and technicians for 24 hours a week take home a smaller annual income compared to full-time counterparts, yet the flexibility can be appealing. Per-diem roles present different financial realities, often allowing workers to bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty-certified technicians earning $35 to $55 per hour. In Valparaiso, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer, whether it’s a general practice clinic or a specialized referral hospital. While some veterinary professionals might accept lower pay for better benefits, others prioritize higher hourly wages without the need for comprehensive health insurance. Negotiating effectively is vital; understanding the regional market rates and discussing both pay and benefits can lead to more favorable arrangements, especially in areas such as Valparaiso where the workforce shortage in veterinary technology remains acute.
More salary data for Valparaiso, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Valparaiso in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Valparaiso?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Valparaiso paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Valparaiso?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Valparaiso?
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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 Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso 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