Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $26.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $26.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,033 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,021 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $26.46, which exceeds the national hourly median of $24.03, highlighting a favorable compensation landscape for professionals in this field. This rate benefits various work schedules, allowing part-time employees who work three days a week to earn a respectable income. Typical settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU/Emergency Care wards, and even zoo medical units can pay entry-level staff around $19.72 per hour, while experienced technicians can command rates up to $34.20 per hour. These figures are derived from projected annual salaries, providing a snapshot of the earning potential available for veterinary technologists and technicians in this vibrant Maryland community.
About the Gaithersburg 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) | $19.72 | $157.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.36 | $170.91 |
| Median (P50) | $26.46 | $211.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.33 | $258.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.20 | $273.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $26.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.46/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $55,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,751. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,058.38 | $4,586 | $55,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $635.03 | $2,752 | $33,021 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.35 | $1,835 | $22,014 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Gaithersburg) | $26.46 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $55,033 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $54,650.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.46/hr = $33,021/year (purchasing power: $30,212).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,036/year (purchasing power: $50,353).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gaithersburg grew 34.1% from $18.70/hr (2019) to $25.08/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.91/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
For those considering a part-time role, working 24 hours a week would yield an approximate annual income significantly lower than full-time wages but still respectable for a flexible schedule. Meanwhile, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians find varying pay rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour; those with VTS credentials can earn between $35 and $55 per hour. Facilities experiencing staff shortages may even offer $30 to $50 per hour for weekend or overnight emergency coverage, reflecting the acute demand for skilled practitioners in Gaithersburg. Different employer types influence hourly pay across the board: general practices might offer lower rates compared to specialty hospitals or research labs, where salaries tend to be higher but may come with fewer benefits. As such, negotiating for hourly wages can be strategically approached—veterinary technologists and technicians should assess the total compensation package, weighing the appeal of higher hourly rates against the security commonly provided in full-time positions with benefits.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Gaithersburg?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Gaithersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Gaithersburg?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Gaithersburg?
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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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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