Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $25.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Boston, MA runs $25.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,773 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,258 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $25.85, surpassing the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive rate offers several opportunities for part-time workers, such as those operating in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospital ICU wards, who may enjoy flexible schedules while still earning a respectable income. For instance, individuals working three days a week, roughly 24 hours, benefit significantly within this wage structure while gaining invaluable experience. The hourly wage ranges from $19.93 for entry-level positions to $35.80 for top earners, reflecting the diverse skill sets and responsibilities associated with this profession. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, highlight the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians in Boston's varied work settings, including university teaching hospitals and pharmaceutical research facilities.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.93 | $159.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.56 | $196.48 |
| Median (P50) | $25.85 | $206.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.86 | $246.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.80 | $286.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $25.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.85/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $53,763 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,017. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,033.90 | $4,480 | $53,763 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $620.34 | $2,688 | $32,258 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $413.56 | $1,792 | $21,505 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Boston) | $25.85 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $53,773 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.50% above the Massachusetts state average of $50,970.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.85/hr = $32,258/year (purchasing power: $29,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,763/year (purchasing power: $49,658).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Boston grew 20.5% from $20.34/hr (2019) to $24.50/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.27/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 Boston 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 Boston
With part-time veterinary technologists and technicians earning a median of approximately $25,000 annually for working three days a week, their income can substantially differ from full-time colleagues, who enjoy the full breadth of employee benefits. For those considering a per-diem role, commonly billed rates range from $25 to $40 per hour, providing a flexible avenue for professionals wanting to enhance their experience or work in specialized environments. VTS-credentialed technicians, who have achieved additional expertise, can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency care. Hourly rates in Boston can vary quite a bit based on employer type, from general practice veterinary clinics to specialty hospitals. The trade-off for some is choosing between a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a slightly lower rate with health insurance coverage. For those looking to negotiate pay in this market, being aware of the local industry standards, especially related to corporate consolidation in veterinary services, can prove useful in securing a fair compensation package.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Boston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Boston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Boston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Boston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Boston?
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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 Boston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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