Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $25.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Salem, NH runs $25.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,402 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $25.16, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the area's competitive market, making it attractive for both full-time professionals and part-time or per-diem workers. For those working a typical three-day week, commonly found in veterinary practices or specialty hospitals, this hourly wage sets the foundation for a decent living. Entry-level positions start around $18.83 per hour, while more experienced or specialized technicians can earn as much as $31.88 hourly, depending on the facility type. Given the projected growth in this sector, these figures indicate a favorable trend for those pursuing veterinary technology careers in various environments like general practices, university clinics, and pharmaceutical research labs.
About the Salem 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) | $18.83 | $150.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.29 | $162.30 |
| Median (P50) | $25.16 | $201.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.92 | $239.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.88 | $255.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $25.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.16/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $52,336 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,194. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,006.47 | $4,361 | $52,336 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.88 | $2,617 | $31,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.59 | $1,745 | $20,935 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Salem) | $25.16 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $52,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $53,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.16/hr = $31,402/year (purchasing power: $29,265).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,336/year (purchasing power: $48,776).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem grew 34.1% from $17.78/hr (2019) to $23.85/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.55/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 Salem 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 Salem
Looking deeper into the earning potential in Salem, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week can anticipate a more modest income compared to their full-time counterparts. Typically, they might bring home significantly less annually, depending on their scheduled hours. Per-diem positions often have the advantage of higher pay rates, with veterinary technicians billing between $25-$40 per hour, particularly in emergency settings, where rates can escalate to $30-$50 due to staffing shortages. Differences in pay also emerge across employer types in Salem; for example, those working in specialty referral hospitals may command higher wages compared to general practice clinics. Many technicians face the choice between higher hourly pay with no benefits versus moderate pay with health insurance—an essential aspect to consider in employment negotiations. Those seeking positions should prepare to discuss these factors, as pay can vary widely, especially in Salem’s evolving veterinary landscape.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Salem?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Salem?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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