Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $25.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $25.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Sterling Heights, MI, can expect a median hourly pay of $25.65, which surpasses the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive rate provides significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For those working part-time, earning a stable income while balancing other commitments is possible, particularly when the hourly pay is strong enough to reward the skills and training involved in the profession. Entry-level positions start near $18.47 an hour, while top earners in the field can command about $36.15 per hour, illustrating a broad range of income potential based on experience and specialization.
About the Sterling Heights 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) | $18.47 | $147.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.31 | $162.47 |
| Median (P50) | $25.65 | $205.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.83 | $246.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.15 | $289.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $25.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.65/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $53,346 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,776. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,025.88 | $4,445 | $53,346 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $615.53 | $2,667 | $32,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $410.35 | $1,778 | $21,338 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Sterling Heights) | $25.65 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $53,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.73% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $52,252.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.65/hr = $32,008/year (purchasing power: $34,343).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,346/year (purchasing power: $57,238).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sterling Heights grew 34.1% from $18.12/hr (2019) to $24.31/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.06/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Taking a closer look, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week (totaling around 24 hours) would earn approximately $31,162 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem or locum tenens roles, the pay fluctuates more widely; per-diem veterinary technicians often charge between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, especially in urgent care settings. The disparity in hourly rates is influenced by the type of employer, with corporate chain hospitals typically offering lower base rates compared to specialty referral hospitals and teaching institutions. Many professionals are faced with the choice of accepting lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, which is a critical consideration in a market where skilled workers are in high demand. Effectively negotiating hourly pay in Sterling Heights can significantly impact income, so understanding the nuances of varying pay scales across different employers is essential for advancing in this vital field.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Sterling Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Sterling Heights?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Sterling Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Sterling Heights?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling Heights?
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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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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