Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chesterfield, MO: $20.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chesterfield, MO runs $20.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,990 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chesterfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesterfield, Missouri, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $20.19. This rate is notably lower than the national median of $24.03 per hour, indicating a disparity that professionals in the field should consider when evaluating job offers. The hourly wages for this occupation in Chesterfield range from approximately $15.66 at the entry level to about $25.48 for experienced professionals. For those working part-time, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, this pay translates into a total that can help offset living costs, which are slightly below the national average. Per-diem positions in varied environments—from general practices to specialized hospitals—allow for flexible work schedules and can also offer a competitive edge based on individual expertise in specific settings.
About the Chesterfield Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.66 | $125.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.66 | $133.27 |
| Median (P50) | $20.19 | $161.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.39 | $195.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.48 | $203.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesterfield
Based on $20.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.19/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesterfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $42,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,231. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chesterfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesterfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $807.71 | $3,500 | $42,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.62 | $2,100 | $25,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $323.08 | $1,400 | $16,800 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chesterfield) | $20.19 |
| 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 Chesterfield, MO earn a median of $41,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.00% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $42,371.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.19/hr = $25,200/year (purchasing power: $28,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,001/year (purchasing power: $46,876).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chesterfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chesterfield grew 34.1% from $14.27/hr (2019) to $19.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.30/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 Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield
Examining the financial landscape for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Chesterfield reveals a distinct earning potential compared to full-time roles. For those working three days a week—totaling 24 hours—the annual income can be considerably less than their full-time counterparts, which often leads to important lifestyle trade-offs. In contrast, per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can potentially increase their earnings significantly by billing $25-$40 per hour, with specialists holding VTS credentials commanding even higher rates of $35-$55 per hour. The type of employer can also influence hourly pay; for instance, veterinary clinics may offer different compensation compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral facilities. Additionally, professionals might choose positions that provide benefits like health insurance, which sometimes come with lower hourly pay, presenting a strategic decision-making process. As Chesterfield continues to navigate workforce shortages in the veterinary field, those in the profession may wish to negotiate hourly wages carefully, taking into account the demand for skilled technicians as well as their worth in various employment settings.
More salary data for Chesterfield, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chesterfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chesterfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chesterfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chesterfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chesterfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Missouri
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 Chesterfield. 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 Chesterfield 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