Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dearborn, MI: $26.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dearborn, MI runs $26.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dearborn's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,443 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly wage of $26.80 in Dearborn, MI, veterinary technologists and technicians earn more than their national counterparts, who make an average of $24.03 per hour. This positioning in the labor market can offer significant advantages for both part-time and per-diem positions within various settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialized ICU wards, university clinics, and zoo animal medical units. Part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, can expect to earn around $32,500 annually while enjoying some flexibility in their schedules. The hourly rate spans from $20.73 for entry-level techs to $36.82 for experienced professionals or those specializing in high-demand areas, demonstrating the diverse earning potential within this sector.
About the Dearborn 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) | $20.73 | $165.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.71 | $173.70 |
| Median (P50) | $26.80 | $214.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.82 | $294.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dearborn
Based on $26.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.80/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dearborn, MI can expect to earn approximately $55,738 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,156. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dearborn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dearborn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.88 | $4,645 | $55,738 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $643.13 | $2,787 | $33,443 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.75 | $1,858 | $22,295 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dearborn) | $26.80 |
| 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, MI earn a median of $55,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.49% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.70% above the Michigan state average of $52,232.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.80/hr = $33,443/year (purchasing power: $35,883).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,738/year (purchasing power: $59,804).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dearborn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dearborn grew 34.1% from $18.93/hr (2019) to $25.40/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.27/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 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
For those considering part-time roles, it's worth examining the differences in income when working 24 hours a week versus full-time commitments. Per-diem positions in Dearborn can often command rates between $25 and $40, depending on the specific needs of employers and the candidate's experience level. VTS-certified specialists might bill upwards of $55 an hour, particularly in specialized areas such as emergency and critical care. However, positions at corporate veterinary chains, university teaching hospitals, or pharmaceutical research labs can have varying pay scales, often dependent on the benefits offered. While some technicians may prefer higher hourly rates without health insurance, others prioritize a more stable income that includes such benefits. For anyone looking to negotiate their hourly pay, it’s essential to be informed about local rates and to understand the potential for increased earnings through specialties and additional certifications within the veterinary field.
More salary data for Dearborn, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dearborn in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dearborn?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Dearborn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Dearborn?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Dearborn?
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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. 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 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