Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Muskegon, MI: $24.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Muskegon, MI runs $24.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Muskegon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,559 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muskegon, Michigan, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $24.49 for 2026, slightly above the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the importance of the role within various settings, such as general veterinary practices, specialty hospital ICUs, university clinics, and even zoological facilities. For per-diem workers, primarily those who help fill in gaps at clinics or hospitals, this hourly rate enables them to earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level technicians might start around $18.30 per hour, while seasoned professionals in high-demand positions could command up to $31.02 an hour, illustrating the notable salary range available within the field.
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Muskegon can expect different financial realities compared to their full-time counterparts. Working three days a week for 24 hours would yield an annual income of approximately $38,045, a substantial amount yet significantly less than full-time earnings. In addition, per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Muskegon typically ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized veterinary technicians, such as those holding VTS credentials, often billing between $35 and $55 per hour. Positions at corporate chain hospitals might offer competitive hourly rates, but many professionals weigh these against benefits like health insurance, often leading them to choose lower hourly wages for more secure benefits. To successfully negotiate pay in Muskegon, veterinary technicians should focus on showcasing their skills, any additional credentials like the VTNE, and the demand for their expertise in various veterinary settings amidst a growing workforce shortage.
About the Muskegon 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) | $18.30 | $146.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.70 | $157.57 |
| Median (P50) | $24.49 | $195.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.05 | $232.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.02 | $248.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muskegon
Based on $24.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.49/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muskegon, MI can expect to earn approximately $50,932 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,384. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muskegon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muskegon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $979.46 | $4,244 | $50,932 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $587.68 | $2,547 | $30,559 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.78 | $1,698 | $20,373 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Muskegon) | $24.49 |
| 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 Muskegon, MI earn a median of $50,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.50% below the Michigan state average of $52,234.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.49/hr = $30,559/year (purchasing power: $32,789).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,932/year (purchasing power: $54,648).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Muskegon grew 34.1% from $17.30/hr (2019) to $23.21/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.83/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 Muskegon 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.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Muskegon in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Muskegon?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Muskegon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Muskegon?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Muskegon?
Related Pages
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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 Muskegon. 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 Muskegon 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