Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in East Orange, NJ: $28.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in East Orange, NJ runs $28.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,378 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against East Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,023 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Orange, NJ, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $28.06, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate reflects the rising demand for skilled professionals in the veterinary field, particularly in dynamic settings like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, zoos, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this hourly pay allows for a reasonable income while balancing other commitments. The hourly range for these positions spans from $21.22 for entry-level roles to a notable $36.71 for highly experienced technicians, indicating a clear path for career advancement within the local veterinary landscape.
About the East Orange 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) | $21.22 | $169.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.27 | $178.17 |
| Median (P50) | $28.06 | $224.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.85 | $270.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.71 | $293.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Orange
Based on $28.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.06/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $58,371 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,676. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.52 | $4,864 | $58,371 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.51 | $2,919 | $35,023 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.01 | $1,946 | $23,348 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (East Orange) | $28.06 |
| 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 East Orange, NJ earn a median of $58,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $57,572.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.06/hr = $35,023/year (purchasing power: $30,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,371/year (purchasing power: $50,669).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in East Orange grew 34.1% from $19.83/hr (2019) to $26.60/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.61/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 East Orange 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 East Orange
When considering part-time employment, dedicating 24 hours a week can yield a substantial income for a veterinary technologist and technician, especially compared to full-time roles. While per-diem workers often earn between $25 and $40 per hour, specialty technicians with VTS credentials command rates that can reach $35 to $55 per hour. For those covering weekend or overnight shifts in emergency rooms, rates often soar to between $30 and $50 per hour in high-demand markets. Although East Orange features varied employer types—ranging from corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl to niche specialty hospitals—the decision to accept lower hourly rates for full-time positions could stem from the inclusion of benefits like health insurance. For veterinary technologists and technicians negotiating rates, focusing on the unique advantages of East Orange's diverse veterinary scene, as well as the pressing workforce shortages, can result in more favorable outcomes.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in East Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in East Orange?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in East Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in East Orange?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in East Orange?
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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 East Orange. 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 East Orange 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