Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $24.70 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in New Bedford, MA runs $24.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,373 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,823 per year.

$51,373
Median Annual Salary
$24.70/hr
Hourly Rate
$39,956
Entry Level (P10)
$67,682
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in New Bedford, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
New Bedford, MA veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In New Bedford, the hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at a median of $24.70, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the value of skilled professionals in a marketplace facing workforce shortages and increased demand for veterinary services. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this means a take-home income that can vary considerably based on individual circumstances. The hourly wage for entry-level positions starts at around $19.21, allowing newcomers to gain experience while seasoned technicians can command as much as $32.54 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting how hourly rates translate into real-world earnings in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities.

About the New Bedford Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$19.21$153.69
Lower Range (P25)$20.63$165.00
Median (P50)$24.70$197.58
Upper Range (P75)$29.84$238.68
Top Earners (P90)$32.54$260.29

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford

Based on $24.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in New Bedford earning $24.70/hr would make approximately $29,637 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $51,371 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$29,637Reduced (32 hr/wk)$39,516Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$51,371

At $24.70/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $51,371 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,637. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$197.58
per 8hr shift
$987.90
per week
$4,281
per month
$51,371
per year

Schedule Comparison in New Bedford

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$987.90$4,281$51,371
Part-Time (24 hrs)$592.74$2,569$30,823
Per Diem (16 hrs)$395.16$1,712$20,548

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (New Bedford)$24.70
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in New Bedford ($51,373) with Massachusetts average ($51,016) and the US national median ($49,986).New Bedford$51,373Massachusetts Avg$51,016+0.70%US National$49,986+2.77%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $51,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $51,016.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $24.70/hr = $30,823/year (purchasing power: $28,408).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,371/year (purchasing power: $47,346).

CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$18.40/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$23.41/hr

2026 Current Est.

$24.70/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+41.6%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in New Bedford (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford. Baseline $18.40/hr in 2025, projected to $26.06/hr by 2027.$16$19$22$25$282019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$18.40$17.92$17.76$18.09$21.94$26.28$23.41$24.70$26.06
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$18.40/hrActual
2020$17.92/hrActual
2021$17.76/hrActual
2022$18.09/hrActual
2023$21.94/hrActual
2024$26.28/hrActual
2025$23.41/hrActual
2026(current)$24.70/hrEstimated
2027$26.06/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford grew 27.2% from $18.40/hr (2019) to $23.41/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.06/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 New Bedford

The potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians can be quite lucrative, as a three-day work schedule may yield a substantial annual income compared to full-time positions. For example, those working 24 hours weekly could see earnings under $30,000 if they focus on typical clinic roles. However, per diem opportunities can provide a different dynamic. Per-diem professionals often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists able to charge $35 to $55 per hour for expertise in areas like emergency and critical care. The pay can further escalate for weekend and overnight shifts in high-demand environments, ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. It's beneficial for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford to understand how these rates vary by employer type: general practices versus corporate chains or specialty hospitals can create vast differences in pay scales. While some may initially opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher rates when such benefits aren't available. Practical negotiation strategies can include discussing additional responsibilities in high-demand settings or leveraging specialized credentials to justify increased pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford is $24.70/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $19.21 at entry level (10th percentile) to $32.54 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 2.8% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in New Bedford?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in New Bedford earns approximately $2,569/month, or $30,823/year at the median hourly rate of $24.70. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford are paid hourly at a median rate of $24.70/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $51,371/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in New Bedford?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in New Bedford earns approximately $51,371/year at the median hourly rate of $24.70. This is 2.8% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $67,675/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in New Bedford?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in New Bedford sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $32.54/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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