Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $26.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wheaton, MD runs $26.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,771 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton, Maryland, earn a median hourly pay of $26.26, which surpasses the national median of $24.03. This difference highlights the competitive nature of the field in the region, particularly in various work settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and zoos or aquariums. The estimated hourly pay range for these professionals spans from $19.25 for entry-level roles to $34.58 for those at the top of the pay scale. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—this hourly compensation translates into a relatively stable income, sufficient for managing living expenses while allowing flexibility. Additionally, per-diem workers can potentially adjust their schedules to suit their needs, often benefiting from regular opportunities for increased work hours during peak times or emergencies.
About the Wheaton 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) | $19.25 | $154.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.97 | $167.79 |
| Median (P50) | $26.26 | $210.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.81 | $254.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.58 | $276.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $26.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $54,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,511. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,050.36 | $4,552 | $54,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $630.21 | $2,731 | $32,771 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $420.14 | $1,821 | $21,847 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wheaton) | $26.26 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $54,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.28% higher than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.26/hr = $32,771/year (purchasing power: $29,983).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,619/year (purchasing power: $49,971).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton grew 34.1% from $18.55/hr (2019) to $24.89/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.70/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Evaluating the earning potential, a part-time veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours a week would receive significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem professionals in Wheaton typically bill $25 to $40 per hour, with those holding VTS credentials commanding between $35 and $55, particularly in specialty areas. Hospitals facing staffing shortages often offer premium rates of $30 to $50 for weekend and overnight shifts, which can provide lucrative opportunities for those willing to fill those gaps. It's also crucial to consider how hourly wages fluctuate between different types of employers; general practice clinics tend to offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. For many, the trade-off between higher hourly pay and benefits like health insurance plays a significant role in career decisions. Negotiation is key—being informed about market rates and maintaining clarity on desired work-life balance can help veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton secure compensation that meets their needs.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wheaton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wheaton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wheaton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wheaton?
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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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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