Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Royal Oak, MI: $24.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Royal Oak, MI runs $24.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,614 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Royal Oak's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,967 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Royal Oak, Michigan, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a competitive median of $24.81, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $24.03. This favorable rate presents lucrative opportunities for part-time professionals working in various environments, whether they are in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, or educational clinics. With an hourly pay range between $19.67 for entry-level positions and up to $33.58 for the top earners, there is significant potential for increased earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures, drawn from projected data for 2026 based on 2025 BLS estimates, highlight not just the competitive landscape within Royal Oak but also the potential for part-time and per-diem workers to secure a solid income without committing to full-time hours.
About the Royal Oak 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) | $19.67 | $157.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.94 | $167.53 |
| Median (P50) | $24.81 | $198.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.65 | $245.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.58 | $268.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Royal Oak
Based on $24.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.81/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Royal Oak, MI can expect to earn approximately $51,612 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,776. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Royal Oak.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Royal Oak
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $992.54 | $4,301 | $51,612 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.53 | $2,581 | $30,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.02 | $1,720 | $20,645 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Royal Oak) | $24.81 |
| 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 Royal Oak, MI earn a median of $51,614 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the Michigan state average of $52,241.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.81/hr = $30,967/year (purchasing power: $33,227).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,612/year (purchasing power: $55,378).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Royal Oak (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Royal Oak grew 34.1% from $17.53/hr (2019) to $23.52/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.18/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 Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak
When examining the earning potential for those working three days a week, a veterinary technologist and technician can expect to take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, but the flexibility may appeal to many. Part-time workers bringing home a median hourly rate could find they earn around $31,057 annually if they work 24 hours weekly. For per-diem positions, the pay often varies dramatically; these roles may yield rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty techs commanding even higher pay between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly in emergency coverage situations. Employer types in Royal Oak also impact compensation; general practice clinics typically offer lower rates compared to corporate chains like VCA or specialty hospitals with advanced service offerings. While some candidates may accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, negotiation strategies can enhance compensation, especially in this growing market, where demand for qualified technicians is high and hourly rates are on an upward trajectory.
More salary data for Royal Oak, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Royal Oak in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Royal Oak?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Royal Oak paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Royal Oak?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Royal Oak?
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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 Royal Oak. 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 Royal Oak 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