Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bridgewater, NJ: $27.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bridgewater, NJ runs $27.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bridgewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,022 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgewater, New Jersey, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $27.26 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national median of $24.03. This higher pay rate reflects robust demand for skilled professionals in the region, especially in practices focused on general care, specialty hospitals, and research environments. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work week, this rate can result in substantial earnings, allowing for a desirable work-life balance while still providing competitive compensation. The hourly pay range stretches from $20.73 for entry-level positions to $34.13 for seasoned technicians, illustrating the potential for growth and specialty training within this profession. The figures are based on annual salary projections adapted into hourly rates, showcasing the diverse opportunities available for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bridgewater.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.73 | $165.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.28 | $178.25 |
| Median (P50) | $27.26 | $218.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.10 | $256.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.13 | $273.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgewater
Based on $27.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.26/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgewater, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,713. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,090.45 | $4,725 | $56,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $654.27 | $2,835 | $34,022 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.18 | $1,890 | $22,681 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bridgewater) | $27.26 |
| 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 Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $56,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $57,571.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.26/hr = $34,022/year (purchasing power: $29,533).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,703/year (purchasing power: $49,222).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bridgewater grew 34.1% from $19.26/hr (2019) to $25.84/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.76/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 Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater
Considering the financial dynamics of working part-time versus full-time, a veterinary technologist and technician on a three-day work week (approximately 24 hours) would take home significantly different earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Many per-diem veterinary technologists in Bridgewater typically bill between $25 and $40 per hour, while specialists—especially those with VTS credentials—might command up to $55 per hour for specialty services. Facilities like corporate chain hospitals and university teaching hospitals may offer various packages, often balancing lower hourly rates with comprehensive benefits. Conversely, those working agency or per-diem often accept higher hourly pay without benefits, leading to a trade-off between immediate compensation and longer-term financial security. To maximize earnings, workers should consider negotiation strategies around hours and rates that reflect market demands; knowing that the current market shortage allows for some flexibility could empower them when discussing pay with employers.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bridgewater in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bridgewater?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bridgewater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bridgewater?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bridgewater?
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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 Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 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