Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $24.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Somerville, MA runs $24.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,007 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Somerville, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly pay of $24.85, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate is substantial for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. Individuals working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to earn around $596 weekly, which translates to over $31,000 annually. For per-diem workers filling shifts in settings such as general practices, urgent care wards, or research labs, hourly rates can vary widely between $18.78 and $32.50, based on experience and specialization. Given that entry-level roles typically start nearer the bottom of this scale, seasoned pros can command higher rates, making it more favorable for experienced veterinary technologists and technicians.
About the Somerville 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) | $18.78 | $150.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.26 | $162.05 |
| Median (P50) | $24.85 | $198.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.96 | $239.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.50 | $260.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $24.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.85/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $51,678 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,814. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $993.81 | $4,307 | $51,678 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.29 | $2,584 | $31,007 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.52 | $1,723 | $20,671 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Somerville) | $24.85 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $51,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.41% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $50,975.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.85/hr = $31,007/year (purchasing power: $28,578).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,678/year (purchasing power: $47,630).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Somerville grew 34.1% from $17.56/hr (2019) to $23.55/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.21/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Part-time positions can offer a unique perspective on earnings, as those working consistently may capture steady income while enjoying balance with personal commitments. A 24-hour workweek can achieve a solid income, but converting to full-time roles could substantially elevate fiscal rewards. Per diem opportunities are prevalent, with rates often reaching $25-$40/hr for general shifts, while VTS-certified specialists may charge anywhere from $35-$55/hr. Weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand areas can yield $30-$50/hr. Each employer type plays a role in compensation variance—for instance, private clinics or corporate chains may offer different benefits compared to university settings or specialty hospitals. When negotiating hourly pay, it's essential to consider the trade-off between higher wages without benefits and lower hourly rates with health insurance or retirement plans, especially in the context of the current workforce shortage in the veterinary field. Engaging strategically in salary discussions can lead to advantageous terms reflecting your skills and area demand in Somerville, MA.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Somerville in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Somerville?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Somerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Somerville?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Somerville?
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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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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