Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Shelby Township, MI: $25.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Shelby Township, MI runs $25.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,690 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Shelby Township's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,613 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelby Township, Michigan, garner a median hourly rate of $25.33, which exceeds the national median of $24.03. This statistic reflects the value of skilled professionals in diverse settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research labs. For part-time workers, such as those putting in 24 hours a week over three days, this hourly pay can translate into a substantial income, making it feasible for them to balance work with other commitments. Entry-level professionals might earn around $18.93, while top earners in the field can reach as high as $33.78, demonstrating the potential for growth in this evolving profession. With a growth rate of 5.50% projected annually, opportunities are set to expand, favoring those with specialized training and certifications.
About the Shelby Township 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) | $18.93 | $151.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.49 | $163.90 |
| Median (P50) | $25.33 | $202.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.94 | $247.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.78 | $270.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelby Township
Based on $25.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.33/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelby Township, MI can expect to earn approximately $52,688 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,397. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shelby Township.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelby Township
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,013.22 | $4,391 | $52,688 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $607.93 | $2,634 | $31,613 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.29 | $1,756 | $21,075 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Shelby Township) | $25.33 |
| 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 Shelby Township, MI earn a median of $52,690 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.41% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.80% above the Michigan state average of $52,272.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.33/hr = $31,613/year (purchasing power: $33,919).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,688/year (purchasing power: $56,532).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Shelby Township (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelby Township grew 34.1% from $17.90/hr (2019) to $24.01/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.72/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 Shelby Township 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 Shelby Township
Considering the varied earning scenarios, a part-time veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week would take home approximately $31,320 annually, a clear contrast to full-time earnings which can significantly exceed this figure. Per-diem opportunities present another avenue for income, with professionals often billing between $25 and $40 per hour. Those who obtain VTS credentials can earn substantially more, with rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, especially in specialty areas like emergency and critical care. In Shelby Township, hourly pay can differ notably based on the type of employer—whether at a general practice clinic, corporate chain hospital, or specialty referral institution. While some may choose roles that offer lower pay but benefits such as health insurance, others might prefer higher hourly wages without benefits. For those entering the job market or considering a shift, practical negotiation strategies can enhance their pay, such as emphasizing specialized skills or experience to secure competitive rates in this lucrative field.
More salary data for Shelby Township, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelby Township in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Shelby Township?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Shelby Township paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Shelby Township?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Shelby Township?
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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 Shelby Township. 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 Shelby Township 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