Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Lafayette, IN: $26.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in West Lafayette, IN runs $26.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,168 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against West Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,495 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in West Lafayette, Indiana, earn a median hourly rate of $26.04, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This rate can translate well for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities. For someone working three days a week, this hourly pay allows for a decent income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly compensation ranges from $20.73 for entry-level positions to $34.49 for experienced professionals, providing a clear pathway for growth within the field. The estimates show that working in various settings such as general veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, or even zoos can influence pay, with techs often earning more in specialized environments.
About the West Lafayette 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) | $20.73 | $165.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.89 | $175.13 |
| Median (P50) | $26.04 | $208.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.81 | $254.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.49 | $275.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Lafayette
Based on $26.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.04/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $54,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,245. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,041.50 | $4,513 | $54,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $624.90 | $2,708 | $32,495 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.60 | $1,805 | $21,663 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (West Lafayette) | $26.04 |
| 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 West Lafayette, IN earn a median of $54,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.37% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.30% above the Indiana state average of $50,483.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.04/hr = $32,495/year (purchasing power: $35,591).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,158/year (purchasing power: $59,319).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in West Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Lafayette grew 34.1% from $18.40/hr (2019) to $24.68/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.47/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 West Lafayette 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 West Lafayette
Looking beyond the basic hourly pay, the earning potential for part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can be quite variable. For a part-time role at 3 days a week, one might earn around $32,000 annually compared to a full-time role that could offer much higher income. Per-diem workers typically navigate a rate range from $25 to $40 per hour, depending on the urgency of the work and the specific requirements of the facility. For those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, hourly pay can reach $35-$55, particularly in specialty practices or emergency care settings. Different employer types in West Lafayette, including corporate chains versus independent clinics, also influence pay scales, often resulting in better benefits at the expense of hourly wages. Consequently, many professionals in the area consider the trade-off between a higher hourly rate without benefits and the security of consistent health coverage. For those entering this field, understanding local market dynamics will be crucial in negotiating pay effectively.
More salary data for West Lafayette, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Lafayette?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in West Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in West Lafayette?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West Lafayette?
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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 West Lafayette. 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 West Lafayette 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