Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ellicott City, MD: $26.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ellicott City, MD runs $26.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ellicott City's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,916 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellicott City, Maryland, earn a median hourly rate of $26.38, notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay structure means that professionals working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, can anticipate a steady income that allows for a balanced work-life schedule while entering the workforce around entry-level positions at $19.53 or capitalizing on experience to earn up to $34.00 hourly. In settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research, these hourly rates provide enough flexibility for per-diem workers to thrive, making the profession appealing across various medical environments.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.53 | $156.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.21 | $169.64 |
| Median (P50) | $26.38 | $211.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.51 | $252.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.00 | $272.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellicott City
Based on $26.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.38/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellicott City, MD can expect to earn approximately $54,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,650. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellicott City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellicott City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,055.00 | $4,572 | $54,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.00 | $2,743 | $32,916 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.00 | $1,829 | $21,944 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ellicott City) | $26.38 |
| 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 Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $54,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $54,650.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.38/hr = $32,916/year (purchasing power: $30,115).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,860/year (purchasing power: $50,192).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellicott City grew 34.1% from $18.64/hr (2019) to $25.00/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.83/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 Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City
For those considering part-time roles in veterinary technology, working a 24-hour week can yield significant earnings, especially when evaluated against full-time counterparts. Per-diem veterinary technologists often find themselves billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, while those with VTS credentialing can command upwards of $35 to $55. Moreover, demand for overnight and weekend shifts in emergency and critical care often drives compensation to $30-$50 hourly, particularly in Ellicott City's competitive job market. Hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer; private clinics may provide stable benefits, while corporate chains might have standardized pay scales. For many, the trade-off between earning a higher hourly rate without benefits versus accepting slightly lower pay but with health insurance is a critical consideration. Practicing effective negotiation by emphasizing value and experience can help veterinary technologists secure better pay in this thriving area of Maryland.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellicott City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ellicott City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ellicott City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ellicott City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ellicott City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Ellicott City. 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 Ellicott City 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