Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in St. Clair Shores, MI: $24.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in St. Clair Shores, MI runs $24.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against St. Clair Shores's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,165 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.97, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate provides a solid income foundation, especially for part-time workers, such as those putting in three days per week, who can expect to earn approximately $1,199 weekly at full-time equivalent. Entry-level roles begin at around $19.24 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $34.17, reflecting the considerable earning potential within specialty facilities, such as emergency care units or university teaching hospitals. The hourly figures mirror broader trends, given that they are estimates based on projected annual salaries, allowing for various working environments, including general practices, zoos, and pharmaceutical research settings.
About the St. Clair 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) | $19.24 | $153.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.72 | $165.76 |
| Median (P50) | $24.97 | $199.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.02 | $248.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.17 | $273.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Clair Shores
Based on $24.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.97/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Clair Shores, MI can expect to earn approximately $51,941 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,966. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Clair Shores.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Clair Shores
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $998.87 | $4,328 | $51,941 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.32 | $2,597 | $31,165 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.55 | $1,731 | $20,777 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (St. Clair Shores) | $24.97 |
| 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 St. Clair Shores, MI earn a median of $51,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% below the Michigan state average of $52,259.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.97/hr = $31,165/year (purchasing power: $33,439).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,941/year (purchasing power: $55,731).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in St. Clair Shores (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Clair Shores grew 34.1% from $17.65/hr (2019) to $23.67/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.35/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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair Shores
Part-time positions present an attractive earning potential, with those working 24 hours a week taking home approximately $31,038 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still a viable option for many. Per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Clair Shores can charge between $25 and $40 an hour, while those with veterinary technician specialist (VTS) credentials command rates of $35 to $55 per hour. For weekend or overnight emergency coverage, shifts in areas with staff shortages can bring in $30 to $50 per hour, further enhancing hourly pay opportunities through flexible or agency work. Hourly pay varies significantly across employer types; for example, corporate chain hospitals may offer lower rates than specialty hospitals or university systems, often compelling candidates to consider the benefits of full-time positions. It’s essential for technicians to negotiate effectively, understanding their worth in a competitive market where hourly rates are increasing due to workforce shortages.
More salary data for St. Clair Shores, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Clair Shores in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in St. Clair Shores?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Clair Shores paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in St. Clair Shores?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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