Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $27.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Clifton, NJ runs $27.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,517 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clifton, NJ, stands at $27.18, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This favorable hourly rate allows for a substantial income even for part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week, effectively managing their finances while providing essential care in settings like general practice, specialized veterinary hospitals, and university clinics. The hourly range in Clifton stretches from $21.29 at the lower end for entry-level roles to $37.48 for top earners who acquire specialized skills and experience. Notably, these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data; hence, the actual hourly compensation reflects the significant contributions veterinary technologists and technicians make to their teams and the broader animal care industry.
About the Clifton 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) | $21.29 | $170.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.72 | $181.80 |
| Median (P50) | $27.18 | $217.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.30 | $258.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.48 | $299.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $27.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.18/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,612. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,087.07 | $4,711 | $56,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $652.24 | $2,826 | $33,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.83 | $1,884 | $22,611 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Clifton) | $27.18 |
| 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 Clifton, NJ earn a median of $56,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $57,612.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.18/hr = $33,917/year (purchasing power: $29,442).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,528/year (purchasing power: $49,069).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clifton grew 34.1% from $19.20/hr (2019) to $25.76/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.67/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 Clifton 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 Clifton
Taking on a part-time schedule at 24 hours per week can yield an annual income that significantly differs from full-time earnings. For instance, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician could earn around $33,832 yearly, which can be a substantial income for many. Per-diem opportunities further diversify income streams, allowing professionals to bill at rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty credentialed veterinary technicians commanding rates of $35 to $55. Various employers in Clifton, ranging from corporate chains to specialized hospitals, tend to offer different pay scales. Some may provide lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others may offer higher rates without the security of benefits. Veterinary technologists and technicians should also consider practical negotiation strategies, especially given the current workforce shortage in the industry and the competitive bidding for skilled staff in environments stressed by a growing demand for animal care.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Clifton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Clifton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Clifton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Clifton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Clifton?
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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 Clifton. 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 Clifton 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