Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Portage, MI: $25.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Portage, MI runs $25.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,172 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,310 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Michigan, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to receive an hourly wage of $25.09, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, emergency hospitals, and specialized university clinics. For those seeking part-time opportunities, working three days a week can yield a weekly income of approximately $1,202, making it feasible for individuals to balance work with other commitments. Per-diem roles are particularly lucrative, providing flexibility and the potential for varying income levels; the hourly pay for entry-level positions starts at around $19.58, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $32.70 depending on the setting and specific responsibilities.
About the Portage 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) | $19.58 | $156.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.79 | $166.35 |
| Median (P50) | $25.09 | $200.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.41 | $243.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.70 | $261.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $25.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, MI can expect to earn approximately $52,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,105. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,003.52 | $4,349 | $52,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.11 | $2,609 | $31,310 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.41 | $1,739 | $20,873 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Portage) | $25.09 |
| 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 Portage, MI earn a median of $52,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.37% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the Michigan state average of $52,276.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.09/hr = $31,310/year (purchasing power: $33,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,183/year (purchasing power: $55,990).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portage grew 34.1% from $17.73/hr (2019) to $23.78/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.47/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 Portage 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 Portage
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Portage varies significantly from those in full-time positions. For example, a technician working a 24-hour week might earn around $31,058 annually, which is substantially lower than full-timers but offers flexibility ideal for those pursuing further education or family care. In the realm of per-diem work, these professionals often see rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty roles commanding $35-$55 per hour. Weekend or overnight shifts in emergency settings may pay $30-$50 per hour, capitalizing on the market's shortage of skilled workers. Depending on their work environment—whether private clinics, corporate hospitals, or research facilities—veterinary technologists negotiate their hourly pay based on factors such as health benefits and work demands. Those accepting lower hourly rates typically prioritize financial stability and health insurance coverage over the higher pay of agency roles, which may lack benefits. As such, professionals should evaluate not just the hourly pay, but the broader implications for their career and personal circumstances when considering their options in the evolving veterinary field.
More salary data for Portage, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portage in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Portage?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Portage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Portage?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Portage?
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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 Portage. 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 Portage 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