Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rockville, MD: $25.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rockville, MD runs $25.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,264 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rockville's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,955 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Rockville offers a competitive median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians at $25.60, which exceeds the national median of $24.03. This figure is particularly relevant for part-time workers operating in various sectors such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities. Those working three days a week might expect to earn approximately $1,632 weekly based on this hourly rate, ideal for balancing home and work life. Additionally, the hourly range in Rockville spans from $19.79 for entry-level positions to $33.98 for experienced professionals in high-demand areas, providing opportunities for growth within this fulfilling career.
About the Rockville 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) | $19.79 | $158.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.65 | $165.17 |
| Median (P50) | $25.60 | $204.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.25 | $249.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.98 | $271.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rockville
Based on $25.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.60/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rockville, MD can expect to earn approximately $53,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,726. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rockville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rockville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,024.19 | $4,438 | $53,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $614.52 | $2,663 | $31,955 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.68 | $1,775 | $21,303 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rockville) | $25.60 |
| 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 Rockville, MD earn a median of $53,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.56% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.50% below the Maryland state average of $54,630.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.60/hr = $31,955/year (purchasing power: $29,236).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,258/year (purchasing power: $48,727).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rockville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rockville grew 34.1% from $18.09/hr (2019) to $24.27/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.01/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 Rockville 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 Rockville
For those considering a per diem path, the landscape is varied. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Rockville typically see hourly pay ranging from $25 to $40, while specialized VTS-credentialed roles can command rates of $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight shifts at understaffed emergency clinics may offer even higher compensation, reflecting the urgent demand for qualified professionals. Hourly pay tends to fluctuate based on the employer type; for instance, corporate chain hospitals like VCA or BluePearl may offer slightly lower rates due to benefits, while university and specialty facilities can provide better pay scales. However, the appeal of consistent health coverage in corporate settings often prompts many technicians to accept these trade-offs. For effective negotiation, understanding local market rates and leveraging specialty certifications can significantly enhance bargaining power for hourly positions in Rockville.
More salary data for Rockville, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rockville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rockville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rockville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rockville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rockville?
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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 Rockville. 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 Rockville 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