Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Southfield, MI: $25.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Southfield, MI runs $25.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,115 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Southfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,270 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Southfield, Michigan, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach $25.06 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive wage can significantly impact part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate within general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even university teaching hospitals. For those choosing to work three days a week, the hourly rate facilitates a solid income, allowing for both flexibility and decent wages. Entry-level hourly rates begin at around $18.24, while the most experienced professionals can earn up to $34.37, reflecting the increasing demand and specialization in fields like emergency and critical care. These figures are based on projections from annual salary data and indicate a thriving workforce in Southfield, where veterinary technologists and technicians are increasingly crucial.
About the Southfield 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) | $18.24 | $145.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.93 | $159.43 |
| Median (P50) | $25.06 | $200.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.23 | $249.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.37 | $274.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Southfield
Based on $25.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.06/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Southfield, MI can expect to earn approximately $52,117 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,067. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Southfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Southfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,002.25 | $4,343 | $52,117 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $601.35 | $2,606 | $31,270 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.90 | $1,737 | $20,847 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Southfield) | $25.06 |
| 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 Southfield, MI earn a median of $52,115 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% below the Michigan state average of $52,272.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.06/hr = $31,270/year (purchasing power: $33,552).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,117/year (purchasing power: $55,920).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Southfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Southfield grew 34.1% from $17.70/hr (2019) to $23.75/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.43/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 Southfield 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 Southfield
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week, the annual income translates to a comfortable earning potential compared to full-time positions. However, many in this profession choose per-diem opportunities, billing rates that typically range from $25 to $40 per hour for general duties. VTS-credentialed specialty technicians can command even higher rates, often between $35 and $55 hourly, particularly in high-demand areas like emergency care, where weekend and overnight shifts yield rates between $30 and $50. Different employer types in Southfield, such as corporate veterinary chains and specialty referral hospitals, can offer varying compensation structures. While some professionals may accept lower hourly wages for benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating pay, it's vital to research employer standards in the area and understand the trade-offs that come with different job types, ensuring that all factors align with personal goals and financial needs.
More salary data for Southfield, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Southfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Southfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Southfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Southfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Southfield?
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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 Southfield. 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 Southfield 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