Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $24.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chelsea, MA runs $24.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chelsea's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is $24.30, which slightly exceeds the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate offers an attractive landscape for both full-time and part-time workers, especially for those employed in diverse settings such as general clinics, specialty hospitals, and teaching hospitals. Part-time workers, typically operating three days a week, enjoy flexibility and the potential for steady income. With an hourly range stretching from $18.80 to $30.65, new entrants can find rewarding opportunities, while seasoned professionals or those with specialized skills can significantly increase their earnings. The hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing a clear picture of what veterinary technologists and technicians can expect in their day-to-day work.
About the Chelsea 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) | $18.80 | $150.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.03 | $160.28 |
| Median (P50) | $24.30 | $194.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.80 | $230.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.65 | $245.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
Based on $24.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.30/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelsea, MA can expect to earn approximately $50,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,156. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $971.87 | $4,211 | $50,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $583.12 | $2,527 | $30,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.75 | $1,685 | $20,215 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chelsea) | $24.30 |
| 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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $50,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,985.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.30/hr = $30,322/year (purchasing power: $27,947).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,537/year (purchasing power: $46,578).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chelsea grew 34.1% from $17.17/hr (2019) to $23.03/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.63/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
Within the context of Chelsea's veterinary market, part-time work can yield a substantial income, even when computed against full-time earnings. A veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week could bring home a notable slice of their annual earnings, making it viable alongside other commitments. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Chelsea can range anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists commanding even higher rates of $35 to $55 per hour. These professionals are often sought after for weekend or overnight shifts, particularly in emergency or critical care settings, where rates can reach $30 to $50 per hour due to staffing shortages. Employers such as corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and research facilities may offer different pay scales and benefits. While some technicians may choose slightly lower hourly wages for positions that include health insurance, negotiating for higher rates can be effective, especially for those with specialized credentials or extensive experience in Chelsea’s competitive market.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chelsea in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chelsea?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chelsea paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chelsea?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chelsea?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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