Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chicopee, MA: $24.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chicopee, MA runs $24.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chicopee's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,441 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chicopee, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $24.39 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate reflects the increasing demand for qualified veterinary professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and academic institutions. For those working part-time, such as a 24-hour work week, the adjusted pay can be substantial, aiding in balancing personal commitments while still contributing to the veterinary field. The hourly earnings range from $17.69 at the entry-level to $33.42 for those at the top of their game, allowing new veterinary technologists to gradually build their experience and skill set within the field. These estimates derive from annual salary projections, providing a foundational understanding of what one might expect for their hourly contributions to animal healthcare.
About the Chicopee 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) | $17.69 | $141.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.33 | $154.62 |
| Median (P50) | $24.39 | $195.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.39 | $235.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.42 | $267.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicopee
Based on $24.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.39/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicopee, MA can expect to earn approximately $50,735 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,270. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicopee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicopee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $975.66 | $4,228 | $50,735 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.40 | $2,537 | $30,441 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.27 | $1,691 | $20,294 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chicopee) | $24.39 |
| 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 Chicopee, MA earn a median of $50,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.50% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,991.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.39/hr = $30,441/year (purchasing power: $28,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,735/year (purchasing power: $46,760).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicopee grew 34.1% from $17.24/hr (2019) to $23.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.73/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 Chicopee 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 Chicopee
While the per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Chicopee offers a flexible and potentially lucrative alternative, it varies widely depending on the specific role and setting. A veterinary technologist working 3 days a week could anticipate a different annual income when compared to their full-time counterparts, making it imperative to weigh the option of steady hours against the unpredictability of per diem shifts. Per-diem workers often charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed technicians earning even higher rates of $35 to $55 per hour, especially in emergencies or specialty practices. The hourly rate can fluctuate significantly depending on whether one is employed in a general practice, a corporate veterinary hospital, a teaching institution, or even a pharmaceutical research facility. Additionally, some may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can sway the decision when considering long-term career prospects. To maximize earnings in Chicopee, it’s beneficial for veterinary technologists and technicians to negotiate effectively, highlighting specialty credentials or additional experience that can justify higher pay rates within a competitive employment landscape.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicopee in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chicopee?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chicopee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chicopee?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chicopee?
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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 Chicopee. 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 Chicopee 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