Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in East Lansing, MI: $26.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in East Lansing, MI runs $26.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against East Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,548 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Lansing, Michigan, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $26.88, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This difference reflects a strong demand for skilled professionals in a region where private practice, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions are prevalent. For part-time workers seeking flexible schedules, such as three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a livable income, allowing them to balance work with other commitments. The hourly pay range in East Lansing spans from $21.72, typically for entry-level positions, up to $35.98 for experienced professionals, especially those in specialized roles at high-demand facilities like clinics and universities. As projected figures for 2026 emphasize, the potential to earn a competitive hourly rate can significantly impact the decision to work in various settings, including general practices and specialized medical units.
About the East Lansing 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) | $21.72 | $173.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.83 | $182.64 |
| Median (P50) | $26.88 | $215.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.48 | $251.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.98 | $287.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Lansing
Based on $26.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.88/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $55,913 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,258. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.26 | $4,659 | $55,913 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.15 | $2,796 | $33,548 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.10 | $1,864 | $22,365 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (East Lansing) | $26.88 |
| 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 East Lansing, MI earn a median of $55,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 7.00% above the Michigan state average of $52,256.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.88/hr = $33,548/year (purchasing power: $35,996).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,913/year (purchasing power: $59,993).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in East Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in East Lansing grew 34.1% from $18.99/hr (2019) to $25.48/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.36/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 East Lansing 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 East Lansing
Examining the part-time earning potential, a typical veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours over three days would earn approximately $41,952 annually, significantly less than a full-time peer. Per-diem roles are also common in this field, with pay rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour for general assignments, while specialty clinicians can command even higher rates, between $35 and $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight shifts, often necessary in understaffed emergency rooms, may offer rates up to $50 per hour, reflecting the urgent need for qualified professionals. Employment varies widely across employer types, leading to differing hourly compensation. General practices may offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals, which can provide additional benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly contracts in East Lansing, candidates should remain aware of the competitive landscape and strategically weigh pay against the benefits provided, particularly in light of the growing workforce shortages in the veterinary field.
More salary data for East Lansing, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in East Lansing in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in East Lansing?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in East Lansing paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in East Lansing?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in East Lansing?
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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 East Lansing. 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 East Lansing 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