Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $26.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Detroit, MI runs $26.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,614 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Detroit, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be a median of $26.93 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate reflects not just a thriving local industry but also accommodates part-time and per-diem workers. For those working part-time, such as in general practice treatment areas or specialty hospital roles, this hourly rate supports a stable income even with fewer shifts, allowing for flexible scheduling that can fit personal commitments. Additionally, the hourly range in this profession spans from $19.14 for entry-level positions to $31.13 for the top earners, highlighting opportunities for career advancement within the local veterinary field. The official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics supports this promising picture for aspiring vet techs in Detroit.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.14 | $153.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.62 | $188.97 |
| Median (P50) | $26.93 | $215.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.42 | $243.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.13 | $249.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $26.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.93/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $56,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,321. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,077.37 | $4,669 | $56,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $646.42 | $2,801 | $33,614 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.95 | $1,867 | $22,409 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Detroit) | $26.93 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $56,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.20% above the Michigan state average of $52,258.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.93/hr = $33,614/year (purchasing power: $33,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,023/year (purchasing power: $55,857).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Detroit grew 42.9% from $17.86/hr (2019) to $25.53/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.42/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
Exploring the applicability of part-time roles, a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week might earn a substantial annual income despite working less than full-time. They typically take home around $33,550, which can be competitive based on their lifestyle needs compared to a full-time schedule. Per diem positions also present unique earning potentials, with pay often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for standard roles and hitting $35 to $55 for specialized veterinary technicians with VTS credentials. Various employer types in Detroit, including corporate chain hospitals and university teaching hospitals, offer different hourly compensation levels, further impacting earnings potential. While some might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may seek higher hourly pay without those perks. For those in the market, negotiating based on their experience in high-demand areas, such as emergency coverage, can lead to better compensation and a more tailored work environment in Detroit's veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Detroit in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Detroit?
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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 Detroit. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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