Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $24.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Laurel, MD runs $24.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,900 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel, Maryland, can expect a median hourly pay of $24.95, slightly surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive wages not only reflect the rising demand for skilled professionals in veterinary settings, which include general practices, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, but also the cost of living in Laurel. Workers in entry-level positions can expect to earn around $19.65 per hour, while those in senior roles may achieve hourly earnings as high as $32.74. Given this broad range, both part-time employees and per-diem workers stand to benefit, as even those working just three days a week can earn a substantial income, while per-diem roles offer even higher rates depending on expertise and urgency in various fields.
About the Laurel 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) | $19.65 | $157.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.82 | $166.52 |
| Median (P50) | $24.95 | $199.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.37 | $242.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.74 | $261.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $24.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.95/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $51,898 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,941. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $998.03 | $4,325 | $51,898 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.82 | $2,595 | $31,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.21 | $1,730 | $20,759 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Laurel) | $24.95 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $51,900 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $54,631.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.95/hr = $31,139/year (purchasing power: $28,489).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,898/year (purchasing power: $47,482).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel grew 34.1% from $17.63/hr (2019) to $23.65/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.32/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Earnings for part-time or per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians paint a more nuanced picture of financial potential in Laurel. A technician working on a 3-day weekly schedule, totaling approximately 24 hours, could take home around $31,000 annually, diverging significantly from full-time salaries. For those in per-diem or locum roles, the pay scale shifts substantially. Rates commonly range from $25 to $40 per hour for standard coverage, while VTS-credentialed specialists can bill between $35 and $55 an hour in niche areas. Weekend and overnight shifts in emergency settings can demand even higher rates, ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. Such variations depend heavily on the type of employer—be it a corporate chain, specialty referral hospital, or research lab—with corporate facilities often presenting lower hourly rates but essential benefits like health insurance. Therefore, it’s crucial for professionals to negotiate wisely, balancing immediate pay against long-term benefits and partially considering the ongoing workforce shortage that currently demands competitive compensation.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Laurel?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Laurel?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Laurel?
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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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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