Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rochester, NH: $24.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rochester, NH runs $24.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,981 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, New Hampshire, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.82, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This figure offers a meaningful income to both full-time employees and those engaging in part-time or per-diem work, which can be expected in various clinical environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university teaching clinics. Part-time workers averaging three days a week, amounting to about 24 hours, could anticipate earning around $25,000 annually, while per-diem roles allow for flexible schedules, reflecting various rates depending on experience and facility type. Entry-level positions see hourly compensation starting at $20.09, while more experienced technicians can earn up to $32.38, showcasing a significant earnings potential as one advances in their career.
About the Rochester 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) | $20.09 | $160.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.10 | $168.80 |
| Median (P50) | $24.82 | $198.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.03 | $240.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.38 | $259.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $24.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.82/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NH can expect to earn approximately $51,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,789. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $992.97 | $4,303 | $51,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.78 | $2,582 | $30,981 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.19 | $1,721 | $20,654 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rochester) | $24.82 |
| 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 Rochester, NH earn a median of $51,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.29% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $53,612.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.82/hr = $30,981/year (purchasing power: $28,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,634/year (purchasing power: $48,121).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester grew 34.1% from $17.54/hr (2019) to $23.53/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.19/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working a 3-day week, the annual income reflects a substantial difference when compared to full-time hours. Per-diem professionals typically charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with those holding VTS credentials potentially billing $35 to $55 hourly, especially in specialized fields such as emergency and critical care. Facilities focused on veterinary staffing, like corporate veterinary chains or specialty hospitals, tend to offer higher hourly rates, particularly in Rochester's competitive job market, where talent is in demand due to the ongoing workforce shortages. However, a trade-off often exists between higher hourly wages and benefits such as health insurance, which may lead some to opt for lower-paying positions that provide stability. When negotiating hourly pay, it's advisable to conduct research on local salary benchmarks and be prepared to discuss the added value of specialized skills, especially with the potential for specialty credentialing through pathways like the VTS, which can elevate earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Rochester?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Rochester?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
Related Pages
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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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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