Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $24.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Waterford, MI runs $24.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,992 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,599 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, MI, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $24.52, which is slightly above the national median of $24.03. This rate allows for a comfortable living for those working full-time, but it also creates appealing prospects for part-time professionals and per-diem workers. Typically, those employed in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, and university teaching clinics can find flexible opportunities. The hourly range for these professionals starts at $18.99 for entry-level positions and goes up to $32.64 for experienced individuals, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities within the field. Such pay can support both the full-time technologist and those seeking part-time or contract roles, providing valuable experience and income without the commitment of full-time hours.
About the Waterford 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) | $18.99 | $151.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.33 | $162.64 |
| Median (P50) | $24.52 | $196.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.91 | $239.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.64 | $261.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $24.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.52/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $50,998 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,422. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.73 | $4,250 | $50,998 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.44 | $2,550 | $30,599 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.29 | $1,700 | $20,399 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Waterford) | $24.52 |
| 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 Waterford, MI earn a median of $50,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.01% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $52,246.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.52/hr = $30,599/year (purchasing power: $32,831).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,998/year (purchasing power: $54,719).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterford grew 34.1% from $17.32/hr (2019) to $23.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.87/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 Waterford 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 Waterford
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time workers reveals that a veterinary technologist and technician operating three days a week, or 24 hours, takes home approximately $28,760 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who earn over $50,000. The per diem market presents lucrative options for those willing to bill hourly; rates typically range from $25 to $40, with specialized VTS-credentialed technicians commanding upwards of $35 to $55 per hour. Additionally, many veterinary clinics, including corporate chains like VCA and BluePearl, and specialty hospitals, may offer varying hourly rates depending on their needs and the technician's experience. While some may accept lower hourly wages for the benefits package that comes with full-time roles, others seek higher pay without benefits for greater flexibility, particularly in a market facing a shortage of qualified individuals. Negotiation tactics in Waterford should focus on showcasing specialized skills and offering to cover peak hours, aligning with employers' urgent staffing needs.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterford in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Waterford?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Waterford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Waterford?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Waterford?
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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 Waterford. 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 Waterford 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