Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $26.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $26.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,303 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,179 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Rapids, MI, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $26.59, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This rate offers promising opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in various settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even zoo medical units. With an hourly range starting at $19.39 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $37.90 for experienced professionals, this field presents a viable wage structure for individuals pursuing flexible schedules. The data presented is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing clarity on the expected earnings landscape for those entering the veterinary technology realm.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.39 | $155.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.78 | $190.24 |
| Median (P50) | $26.59 | $212.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.52 | $236.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.90 | $303.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $26.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.59/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $55,299 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,903. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,063.44 | $4,608 | $55,299 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $638.06 | $2,765 | $33,179 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.38 | $1,843 | $22,120 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Grand Rapids) | $26.59 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $55,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.64% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.80% above the Michigan state average of $52,271.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.59/hr = $33,179/year (purchasing power: $34,726).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,299/year (purchasing power: $57,877).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+80.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Rapids grew 62.5% from $15.51/hr (2019) to $25.20/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.05/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Analyzing the pay dynamics further reveals interesting trends for part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians. For example, a part-time worker, typically putting in about 24 hours a week, could expect to take home a substantial income annually, while also maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Per-diem roles often see professionals billing at rates between $25 and $40 per hour; however, specialized technicians with VTS credentials can command rates as high as $35-$55 per hour. The pay varies across employer types in Grand Rapids—from general practice to corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and specialty hospitals such as those focusing on emergency care or oncology. Many workers must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates against the security of positions offering health insurance and other benefits, a trade-off that shapes employment decisions. For those negotiating hourly rates, transparency about the unique demands of their position and the local market can serve as a strong foundation for achieving favorable compensation.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Grand Rapids?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Grand Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Grand Rapids?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Rapids?
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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 Grand Rapids. 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