Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Portland, ME: $25.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Portland, ME runs $25.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,218 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Portland, ME, stands at a median of $25.82 per hour, reflecting a solid increase compared to the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This competitive compensation means that part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, can expect to earn around $25,000 annually, enabling them to maintain a decent standard of living while balancing other commitments. Per-diem workers in diverse settings—including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU/ECC wards, university teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical research labs—have an hourly earning potential ranging from $25.43 at the lower end to $29.16 at the higher end. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data also highlights that entry-level positions may start lower, while highly experienced specialists can command rates at or above the higher percentile.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.43 | $203.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.66 | $205.26 |
| Median (P50) | $25.82 | $206.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.46 | $227.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.16 | $233.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $25.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.82/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $53,697 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,979. With a cost-of-living index of 101.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,032.63 | $4,475 | $53,697 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $619.58 | $2,685 | $32,218 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $413.05 | $1,790 | $21,479 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Portland) | $25.82 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $53,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.41% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.80% above the Maine state average of $49,804.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.82/hr = $32,218/year (purchasing power: $31,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,697/year (purchasing power: $52,717).
CoL index: 101.858 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portland grew 37.3% from $17.82/hr (2019) to $24.47/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.24/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 Portland 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 Portland
Exploring the dynamics of income for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians reveals a practical contrast between those working full-time versus part-time. A typical part-time schedule of 24 hours a week yields a take-home of around $25,000 annually, significantly less than what full-time staff might earn. Per-diem work offers unique advantages, such as flexibility and potentially higher hourly earnings, ranging from $25 to $40 for general assignments. Specialty technicians with VTS credentials can command pay between $35 and $55 per hour, while weekend and overnight emergency coverage may fetch even higher rates in markets facing staffing shortages. The variation in hourly rates often depends on employer type; general practice clinics and corporate chain hospitals may offer slightly lower wages compared to specialty referral hospitals or research facilities. While some professionals may prefer the stability of hourly rates with benefits, others opt for higher pay without benefits, weighing their financial necessities against personal values. Adept negotiation skills can be invaluable in this context. Understanding how to leverage one's skills and remaining flexible about employment options can lead to better pay in Portland's evolving veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Portland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Portland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. 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