Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ferndale, MI: $23.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ferndale, MI runs $23.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,588 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ferndale's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,756 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ferndale, Michigan, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $23.84. This rate is slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03, reflecting local market conditions and the cost of living index, which is notably lower at 93.2 compared to the national average. For part-time workers who typically schedule three days a week, this translates into a practical earning potential that allows for a balanced work-life dynamic while still contributing significantly to household income. Entry-level positions begin at around $18.58, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $29.43 per hour, particularly in settings such as specialty hospitals, university clinics, or zoological facilities. These figures provide a solid framework for those considering careers as veterinary technologists and technicians in Ferndale and highlight the potential financial benefits of specializing within the field.
About the Ferndale 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) | $18.58 | $148.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.62 | $156.98 |
| Median (P50) | $23.84 | $190.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.02 | $224.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.43 | $235.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ferndale
Based on $23.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.84/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ferndale, MI can expect to earn approximately $49,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,612. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ferndale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ferndale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $953.72 | $4,133 | $49,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $572.23 | $2,480 | $29,756 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.49 | $1,653 | $19,837 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ferndale) | $23.84 |
| 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 Ferndale, MI earn a median of $49,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.80% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $52,253.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.84/hr = $29,756/year (purchasing power: $31,927).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,593/year (purchasing power: $53,212).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ferndale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ferndale grew 34.1% from $16.85/hr (2019) to $22.60/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.15/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 Ferndale 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 Ferndale
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week can expect to earn around $29,638 annually based on the current hourly structure—a significant difference compared to full-time workers. For those pursuing per-diem positions, the earnings can soar, as these workers often bill $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists commanding between $35-$55 per hour in specialized environments like emergency care or advanced surgery. In Ferndale, compensation varies across employment types; for example, general practices typically offer lower rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals might provide higher pay, albeit sometimes at the cost of benefits like health insurance. Many in this profession weigh these trade-offs carefully, as accepting lower hourly rates can come with more comprehensive health coverage. Understanding these dynamics offers invaluable negotiation leverage for hourly workers in a fluctuating market, essential for aligning earnings with professional aspirations and personal needs.
More salary data for Ferndale, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ferndale in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ferndale?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ferndale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ferndale?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ferndale?
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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 Ferndale. 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 Ferndale 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