Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $23.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chelmsford, MA runs $23.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,085 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly rate of $23.30 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This compensation can significantly impact those in part-time or per-diem roles, as it determines weekly income for professionals working in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even animal research facilities. For individuals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a manageable income while allowing for flexibility. Hourly wages in this field can range from $18.28 for entry-level positions to $30.67 for highly experienced technicians, reflecting their varying responsibilities and skill levels. It is crucial to keep in mind that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, and understanding them is key for job seekers assessing their potential earnings in Chelmsford.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $18.28 | $146.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.46 | $155.72 |
| Median (P50) | $23.30 | $186.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.35 | $226.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.67 | $245.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $23.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.30/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,474 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,966. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $932.20 | $4,040 | $48,474 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $559.32 | $2,424 | $29,085 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.88 | $1,616 | $19,390 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chelmsford) | $23.30 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $48,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.03% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,969.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.30/hr = $29,085/year (purchasing power: $26,806).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,474/year (purchasing power: $44,677).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chelmsford grew 34.1% from $16.47/hr (2019) to $22.09/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.59/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
When considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist or technician earning $23.30 per hour could take home significantly less than a full-time counterpart. A typical full-time technician may earn around $48,472 annually, while a part-time worker, clocking in at 24 hours a week, would gross approximately $28,681. For those exploring per-diem opportunities, rates tend to be higher, with billing often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly in more demanding roles such as specialty facilities or emergency care where rates can rise to $30-$50. Employers in Chelmsford, including corporate chains and specialty hospitals, display a wide array of hourly wages that can fluctuate based on the setting. While some may choose to work at lower-paying clinics in exchange for health benefits, others may opt for higher pay without traditional employment perks. Negotiation skills can play a vital role in optimizing hourly rates, particularly in a supply-constrained job market where demand for veterinary services continues to grow.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chelmsford?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chelmsford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chelmsford?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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