Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $25.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in South Portland, ME runs $25.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,459 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,073 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, Maine, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $25.70, which surpasses the national median of $24.03. This favorable rate indicates a competitive landscape for veterinary professionals in the area, particularly for those looking to work part-time or in per-diem roles across various settings such as general practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. Based on estimates derived from annual salary data, entry-level positions earn about $20.84 per hour, while those in advanced or specialized roles can earn up to $33.70 per hour. This range allows for flexible earning possibilities for workers who may opt for part-time arrangements, typically working three days a week, accommodating both lifestyle preferences and financial needs.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.84 | $166.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.38 | $171.08 |
| Median (P50) | $25.70 | $205.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.19 | $249.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.70 | $269.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $25.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.70/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $53,456 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,840. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,027.99 | $4,455 | $53,456 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $616.80 | $2,673 | $32,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.20 | $1,782 | $21,382 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (South Portland) | $25.70 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $53,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.95% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.40% above the Maine state average of $49,776.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.70/hr = $32,073/year (purchasing power: $32,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,456/year (purchasing power: $53,670).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Portland grew 34.1% from $18.16/hr (2019) to $24.36/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.11/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 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 South Portland
Veterinary technologists and technicians in South Portland pursuing part-time or per-diem work can see distinct earning potential. A three-day workweek at 24 hours could yield significantly lower annual earnings when contrasted with full-time employment, enticing many to consider per-diem positions. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in South Portland typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, while specialized positions, such as VTS-credentialed roles, can command rates between $35 and $55. Additionally, positions covering weekend or overnight emergencies in high-demand markets often pay $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting the acute labor shortage in the field. Given the variations across employer types—ranging from corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl to nonprofit teaching hospitals—the trade-off between higher hourly rates with no benefits and lower hourly rates with health insurance becomes a vital consideration. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market rates and specializing in sought-after skills can enhance their compensation discussions in South Portland.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in South Portland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in South Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in South Portland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in South Portland?
Related Pages
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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 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
Salary data for South Portland 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