Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dearborn Heights, MI: $25.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dearborn Heights, MI runs $25.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dearborn Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,323 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dearborn Heights, MI, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $25.10 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive rate is beneficial for both part-time workers and per-diem employees, who typically work in diverse environments such as general veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. Those entering the workforce can expect an hourly wage starting at approximately $18.38, with experienced professionals at the higher end of the scale earning up to $34.61. The broad range reflects the varied roles within veterinary settings, enabling workers to find positions that align with their career aspirations while offering flexibility in their work schedules.
About the Dearborn Heights 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) | $18.38 | $147.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.02 | $160.19 |
| Median (P50) | $25.10 | $200.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.84 | $238.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.61 | $276.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn Heights
Based on $25.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.10/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $52,205 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,118. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,003.94 | $4,350 | $52,205 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.36 | $2,610 | $31,323 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.58 | $1,740 | $20,882 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dearborn Heights) | $25.10 |
| 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 Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $52,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.46% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $52,266.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.10/hr = $31,323/year (purchasing power: $33,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,205/year (purchasing power: $56,014).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dearborn Heights grew 34.1% from $17.73/hr (2019) to $23.79/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.48/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 Dearborn Heights 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 Dearborn Heights
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week generally results in annual earnings that can differ significantly from full-time positions. Estimated earnings for a part-time technician will equate to around $31,130 annually, in contrast to full-time counterparts earning upwards of $52,214. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians often command rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized roles, such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), seeing pay between $35 and $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts in high-demand areas may offer lucrative rates from $30 to $50 per hour. Hourly rates can vary depending on the employer type in Dearborn Heights: general clinics may provide more stable income, while corporate chains could offer less but benefit packages. For those balancing hourly pay against benefits, negotiating may yield favorable shifts; emphasizing experience and specialized skills can lead to improved offers in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dearborn Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dearborn Heights?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Dearborn Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Dearborn Heights?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Dearborn Heights?
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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 Dearborn Heights. 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 Dearborn Heights 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