Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Garden City, MI: $24.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Garden City, MI runs $24.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,798 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Garden City's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,480 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Garden City, Michigan is projected to be $24.42, which slightly exceeds the national median of $24.03. This hourly wage translates to various working arrangements, making it accessible for part-time employees or those seeking per-diem work in settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even aquariums. For those entering the profession, hourly rates start around $18.12, while experienced or specialized technicians can earn as much as $32.26. These figures indicate a diverse earning potential, allowing veterinary technologists and technicians to choose professional settings that align with their financial and personal goals.
About the Garden City 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) | $18.12 | $145.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.06 | $168.46 |
| Median (P50) | $24.42 | $195.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.84 | $238.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.26 | $258.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden City
Based on $24.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden City, MI can expect to earn approximately $50,800 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,308. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garden City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.93 | $4,233 | $50,800 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.16 | $2,540 | $30,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.77 | $1,693 | $20,320 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Garden City) | $24.42 |
| 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 Garden City, MI earn a median of $50,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.62% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.80% below the Michigan state average of $52,262.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.42/hr = $30,480/year (purchasing power: $32,704).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,800/year (purchasing power: $54,507).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Garden City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Garden City grew 34.1% from $17.26/hr (2019) to $23.15/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.77/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 Garden City 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 Garden City
Calculating the potential earnings for part-time workers highlights an intriguing scenario. A veterinary technologist and technician working just three days a week, around 24 hours total, would take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem roles present another dynamic; these technicians often command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialists able to reach $35-$55 hourly. Weekend or overnight shifts in high-demand areas may yield even higher rates, ranging from $30 to $50. However, hourly rates can vary widely based on employer type, with private clinics generally offering lower pay compared to corporate chains like VCA or specialty referral hospitals. Many in the field may find themselves trading off between higher hourly wages and the stability of employment benefits. For those considering negotiations in Garden City, it’s beneficial to highlight relevant certifications, stay aware of regional demands, and understand the current market trends influencing pay.
More salary data for Garden City, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Garden City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Garden City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Garden City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Garden City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Garden City?
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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 Garden City. 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 Garden City 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