Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $20.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in University City, MO runs $20.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,771 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,069 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a veterinary technologist and technician in University City, the median hourly pay is set at $20.09 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $24.03, indicating a regional pay disparity. The hourly rates for this profession typically range from $15.37 at the entry-level (P10) to $25.12 for the highest earners (P90). This compensation structure can significantly impact part-time workers, who can expect to earn around $482.16 weekly, assuming a standard three-day workweek. Per-diem positions are also common within veterinary settings, which include various environments such as general practice treatment areas or specialty hospital ICUs.
About the University City 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) | $15.37 | $122.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.44 | $131.50 |
| Median (P50) | $20.09 | $160.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.12 | $192.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.12 | $200.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $20.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $41,781 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,105. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $803.49 | $3,482 | $41,781 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $482.09 | $2,089 | $25,069 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.40 | $1,393 | $16,713 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (University City) | $20.09 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $41,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.43% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $42,364.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.09/hr = $25,069/year (purchasing power: $27,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,781/year (purchasing power: $46,631).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in University City grew 34.1% from $14.19/hr (2019) to $19.04/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.19/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 University City 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 University City
Analyzing the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians offers a clearer picture between part-time and full-time work. A technician working part-time three days a week can earn approximately $25,024 annually, which, while less than a full-time technician's expected take-home pay, offers flexibility. In contrast, per-diem labor often commands higher rates; such workers can typically bill between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialized technicians earning up to $55 when credentialed as Veterinary Technician Specialists. Hourly wages can vary significantly based on the type of employer—general practice clinics may offer lower rates compared to corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral centers. The need for qualified personnel in a competitive labor market allows for negotiation of better pay. However, many are faced with the trade-off of higher wages without benefits versus lower hourly rates that include health coverage. In University City, it’s essential for technicians to leverage this dynamic during salary discussions, particularly when evaluating job offers from varied employer types.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in University City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in University City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in University City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in University City?
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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 University City. 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 University City 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