Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in St. Charles, MO: $20.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in St. Charles, MO runs $20.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against St. Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,701 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Charles, Missouri, the forecasted hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $20.59 for 2026, which trails the national hourly median of $24.03. For individuals seeking part-time work, such as those on a three-day workweek, this equates to approximately $1,189.84 per month at 24 hours weekly, making it a viable option for those balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range for entry-level positions begins at $15.48, while seasoned technicians can earn up to $26.79, indicating a significant potential for growth in this field. These estimates derive from annual salary data and reflect typical working environments, including general practice clinics and specialty hospitals, where salaries can fluctuate based on experience, location, and job responsibilities.
About the St. Charles 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) | $15.48 | $123.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.73 | $133.86 |
| Median (P50) | $20.59 | $164.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.80 | $198.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.79 | $214.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Charles
Based on $20.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.59/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Charles, MO can expect to earn approximately $42,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,712. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $823.74 | $3,570 | $42,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.25 | $2,142 | $25,701 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.50 | $1,428 | $17,134 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (St. Charles) | $20.59 |
| 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. Charles, MO earn a median of $42,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the Missouri state average of $42,376.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.59/hr = $25,701/year (purchasing power: $28,684).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,835/year (purchasing power: $47,807).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in St. Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Charles grew 34.1% from $14.55/hr (2019) to $19.52/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.73/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. Charles 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. Charles
Employment in this profession can take various forms, including part-time, per-diem, or full-time roles. While a 24-hour workweek may yield around $28,156 annually for part-time workers, full-time veterinary technologists and technicians could earn noticeably more over a full year. For per-diem and contract work, rates often range between $25 and $40 per hour, with veterinary technician specialists sometimes commanding between $35 and $55 per hour for their expertise. This aspect of pay is crucial, especially as some employers, like corporate chains and specialty hospitals, offer varying rates due to factors such as staffing needs and the cost of benefits. While lower hourly rates may come with health insurance, many technicians seek higher pay without benefits in environments where coverage is less competitive. For those working in St. Charles, negotiating for competitive hourly rates, particularly for on-call shifts or in-demand specializations, can lead to substantial financial opportunities.
More salary data for St. Charles, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Charles in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in St. Charles?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in St. Charles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in St. Charles?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in St. Charles?
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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. Charles. 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. Charles 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