Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Westland, MI: $25.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Westland, MI runs $25.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,441 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Westland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,468 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westland, MI, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at $25.21, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This relatively competitive figure reflects a growing market for veterinary support professionals, especially in settings like general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university veterinary clinics. For part-time workers, including those on a 3-day work schedule, this translates to a substantial income potential, particularly as per-diem opportunities become increasingly available within the sector. The hourly pay range for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westland varies widely from $18.64 for entry-level positions to as much as $32.46 for those at the top end of the spectrum, indicating good prospects for career advancement and specialization.
About the Westland 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) | $18.64 | $149.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.25 | $161.96 |
| Median (P50) | $25.21 | $201.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.10 | $240.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.46 | $259.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westland
Based on $25.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.21/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westland, MI can expect to earn approximately $52,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,257. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Westland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,008.58 | $4,371 | $52,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.15 | $2,622 | $31,468 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.43 | $1,748 | $20,978 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Westland) | $25.21 |
| 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 Westland, MI earn a median of $52,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.91% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.40% above the Michigan state average of $52,232.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.21/hr = $31,468/year (purchasing power: $33,764).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,446/year (purchasing power: $56,273).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Westland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westland grew 34.1% from $17.82/hr (2019) to $23.90/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.60/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 Westland 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 Westland
Evaluating the earning potential for those working part-time, a veterinary technologist and technician seeing patients three days a week could realistically take home between $37,000 and $41,000 annually, a significant contrast to full-time salaries. Many per-diem and agency vet techs find themselves billing between $25 and $40 an hour, while specialized roles such as VTS credentialed techs can command $35 to $55 per hour. Moreover, overtime shifts in shortage markets can draw $30 to $50 hourly, especially for weekend and overnight emergency coverage. Hourly rates also reflect the type of employer, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referrals often offering competitive pay compared to community clinics. For those weighing the decision between higher hourly rates with no benefits or more modest wages offering comprehensive health insurance, negotiation strategies are essential in an industry navigating a workforce shortage.
More salary data for Westland, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Westland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Westland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Westland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Westland?
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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 Westland. 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 Westland 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