Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Arlington, MA: $24.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Arlington, MA runs $24.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,233 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,138 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington, Massachusetts, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $24.15 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $24.03. This figure is critical for those considering both part-time and per-diem roles. For instance, working three days a week typically translates to a considerable annual income for veterinary technicians, allowing flexibility in work-life balance while still providing substantial earnings. The hourly range in Arlington spans from $18.48 for entry-level positions to $30.25 for seasoned professionals, demonstrating a healthy spectrum of pay where experience and specialization can lead to significant increases. These estimates derived from annual salary data represent the financial landscape for those in various employment settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.48 | $147.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.74 | $157.91 |
| Median (P50) | $24.15 | $193.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.96 | $231.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.25 | $241.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $24.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.15/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, MA can expect to earn approximately $50,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,979. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $965.96 | $4,186 | $50,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $579.57 | $2,511 | $30,138 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $386.38 | $1,674 | $20,092 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Arlington) | $24.15 |
| 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 Arlington, MA earn a median of $50,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,998.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.15/hr = $30,138/year (purchasing power: $27,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,230/year (purchasing power: $46,295).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arlington grew 34.1% from $17.06/hr (2019) to $22.89/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.48/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
When analyzing the earning potential of a part-time veterinary technologist and technician, annual take-home pay for a three-day workweek can provide a comfortable income while also freeing time for personal pursuits or further education. Per-diem roles often command higher rates, with professionals billing anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour. Those with VTS credentials can see their pay elevated even further, often earning $35 to $55 for their specialized skills—particularly in high-demand weekends and overnight emergency scenarios, which might fetch rates as high as $30 to $50 in shortage markets. However, it’s important for technicians to weigh these opportunities against the benefits lost when opting for higher hourly pay without associated health insurance or paid time off. Navigating the pay scales among different employer types—such as corporate chain hospitals, university teaching hospitals, or specialty clinics—can be vital. Insisting on competitive pay while recognizing the value of benefits can make negotiations critical for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arlington, MA.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Arlington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Arlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Arlington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Arlington?
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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