Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Norton Shores, MI: $24.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Norton Shores, MI runs $24.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,315 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Norton Shores's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,191 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norton Shores, MI, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $24.19, which slightly surpasses the national median of $24.03. This rate indicates solid opportunities for part-time and per-diem positions in diverse environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. For those working part-time three days a week, the hourly pay allows for manageable earnings, even while juggling personal commitments. Entry-level positions typically offer a starting rate of around $19.46, while experienced technicians can earn upwards of $29.76. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026 and reflect the increasing demand and consequent rise in pay for veterinary professionals in the region, as instability in the workforce drives competition for talent.
About the Norton Shores 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) | $19.46 | $155.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.86 | $158.84 |
| Median (P50) | $24.19 | $193.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.30 | $226.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.76 | $238.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norton Shores
Based on $24.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.19/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norton Shores, MI can expect to earn approximately $50,318 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,029. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norton Shores.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norton Shores
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $967.65 | $4,193 | $50,318 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.59 | $2,516 | $30,191 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.06 | $1,677 | $20,127 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Norton Shores) | $24.19 |
| 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 Norton Shores, MI earn a median of $50,315 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.70% below the Michigan state average of $52,248.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.19/hr = $30,191/year (purchasing power: $32,393).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,318/year (purchasing power: $53,989).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Norton Shores (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Norton Shores grew 34.1% from $17.09/hr (2019) to $22.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.52/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 Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores
For those considering part-time work, a veterinary technologist and technician earning $24.19 per hour for 24 hours a week would see an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, amounting to around $29,861, compared to a full-time role that could yield over $50,000. Per-diem or agency veterinary technicians typically charge fees between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty roles like VTS-credentialed technicians earning $35 to $55 per hour. Additionally, weekend and overnight shifts in emergency and critical care environments may pay even more, reaching rates of $30 to $50 per hour, reflecting the urgency of staffing needs. Employers such as corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions often have varying pay scales, with some positions offering lower hourly rates but including benefits like health insurance, which can be a significant factor for workers choosing between roles. For those negotiating hourly rates in Norton Shores, it's beneficial to research local compensation trends and advocate for fair pay aligned with the region’s market demands, especially in light of the veterinary workforce shortage that has intensified recently.
More salary data for Norton Shores, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Norton Shores in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Norton Shores?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Norton Shores paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Norton Shores?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Norton Shores?
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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 Norton Shores. 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 Norton Shores 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