Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, NH: $24.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Portsmouth, NH runs $24.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,464 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth, NH, can expect a median hourly rate of $24.74 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive wage suggests favorable earning potential for part-time workers, such as those pursuing three-day/week roles in various veterinary settings including general practices, specialty hospitals, and university clinics. For per-diem workers, particularly in high-demand environments like emergency and critical care wards, the ability to work flexible hours can lead to rewarding income, especially for those specializing in areas like anesthesia or exotic animal care. The pay range for entry-level positions starts at around $19.73, while top earners in Portsmouth can reach hourly rates of $30.20, reflecting the disparity in experience and specialized training levels among veterinary technologists and technicians.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.73 | $157.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.71 | $165.68 |
| Median (P50) | $24.74 | $197.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.84 | $230.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.20 | $241.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $24.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.74/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, NH can expect to earn approximately $51,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,688. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.59 | $4,288 | $51,459 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.75 | $2,573 | $30,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.84 | $1,715 | $20,583 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Portsmouth) | $24.74 |
| 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 Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $51,464 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.96% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $53,608.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.74/hr = $30,875/year (purchasing power: $28,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,459/year (purchasing power: $47,958).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth grew 34.2% from $17.47/hr (2019) to $23.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.10/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Considering the financial dynamics at play, part-time arrangements can yield significant income disparities. A veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week for an average of 24 hours might take home a reduced annual income compared to a full-time counterpart. For per-diem positions, billing rates typically fluctuate between $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized technicians earning even more in niche environments, particularly when providing overnight or weekend coverage. These roles are especially prevalent in Portsmouth due to the growing demand amid a veterinary workforce shortage. Furthermore, the variety of employer types—such as corporate veterinary chains or specialty hospitals—often dictates hourly pay rates. While some professionals might opt for lower pay in corporate setups that offer benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher hourly wages that come without additional perks. Negotiation in this market can be strategic; candidates should emphasize their specialized training and understand the unique pay scales influenced by local labor demand.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Portsmouth?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Portsmouth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Portsmouth?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Portsmouth?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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