Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $24.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lowell, MA runs $24.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,135 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,678 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Lowell, Massachusetts, is projected at $24.58, slightly surpassing the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including private practice clinics, specialty hospitals, academic institutions, and even research facilities. For part-time workers typically clocking in three days a week, earning this hourly rate can lead to approximately $30,000 annually, providing a practical income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Those at entry-level positions start around $18.94 per hour, while more experienced technicians can command up to $33.69 per hour, showcasing a solid earning potential within the profession.
About the Lowell 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) | $18.94 | $151.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.39 | $163.15 |
| Median (P50) | $24.58 | $196.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.54 | $244.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.69 | $269.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $24.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.58/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $51,130 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,498. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $983.26 | $4,261 | $51,130 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $589.96 | $2,556 | $30,678 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $393.30 | $1,704 | $20,452 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lowell) | $24.58 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $51,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $50,982.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.58/hr = $30,678/year (purchasing power: $28,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,130/year (purchasing power: $47,124).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lowell grew 34.1% from $17.37/hr (2019) to $23.30/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.93/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Beyond standard hourly earnings, many veterinary technologists and technicians in Lowell are exploring per-diem opportunities, which often range between $25 and $40 an hour for agency or locum positions. For those with VTS credentials, hourly rates can soar to $35-$55, particularly in specialty roles like emergency and critical care. However, working in a corporate setting or university environment may offer benefits that are absent in strictly fee-for-service roles, prompting many to weigh higher pay against health insurance and retirement options. When negotiating rates, professionals should consider not only the immediate hourly compensation but also the total compensation package, including benefits. Those interested in maximizing earnings may find that corporate consolidation impacts pay scales, signaling a need for savvy negotiation strategies to secure the best possible compensation in this evolving field.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lowell in 2026?
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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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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