Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bay City, MI: $24.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bay City, MI runs $24.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,872 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bay City's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,125 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bay City, Michigan, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $24.94, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate is particularly appealing for part-time workers, such as those who might take shifts three days a week, allowing for a balanced work-life dynamic while still earning a respectable income. For workers in general practice treatment areas or specialty settings like ICU/ECC wards and animal research facilities, the hourly range extends from $19.40 for entry-level positions to $31.62 for the top earners. These figures, drawn from salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate the significant earning potential in both full-time and per-diem roles across diverse veterinary environments.
About the Bay City Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.40 | $155.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.63 | $165.00 |
| Median (P50) | $24.94 | $199.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.60 | $236.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.62 | $252.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bay City
Based on $24.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.94/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bay City, MI can expect to earn approximately $51,876 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,928. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bay City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bay City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $997.61 | $4,323 | $51,876 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.56 | $2,594 | $31,125 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.04 | $1,729 | $20,750 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bay City) | $24.94 |
| 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 Bay City, MI earn a median of $51,872 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.77% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the Michigan state average of $52,238.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.94/hr = $31,125/year (purchasing power: $33,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,876/year (purchasing power: $55,661).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bay City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bay City grew 34.1% from $17.62/hr (2019) to $23.64/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.31/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 Bay City 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 Bay City
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician typically makes a substantial income with a 24-hour workweek. While full-time roles can lead to robust annual earnings, many technicians find value in per-diem opportunities. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with certified specialists earning even more, often between $35 and $55. Additionally, staffing shortages frequently drive hourly rates at emergency clinics to $30-$50, particularly for overnight and weekend shifts. Different employer types in Bay City, like corporate veterinary chains and specialty referral hospitals, also present varying pay structures. Some veterinary technologists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay. When negotiating rates, it's advantageous for hourly workers to understand the specifics of their potential employer's compensation structure to find a balance that works for their lifestyle and financial goals.
More salary data for Bay City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bay City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bay City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bay City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bay City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bay City?
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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 Bay City. 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 Bay City 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