Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $27.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $27.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,865 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabeth, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $27.94, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This favorable pay scale reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. For part-time workers, often employed for three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a sustainable income, making it viable to support a balanced lifestyle while working in engaging environments. The hourly pay ranges from $21.69 for entry-level positions to $38.72 for top earners, showcasing a clear trajectory for growth and opportunity in the local market.
About the Elizabeth 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) | $21.69 | $173.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.39 | $187.11 |
| Median (P50) | $27.94 | $223.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.88 | $279.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.72 | $309.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $27.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.94/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $58,108 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,524. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,117.46 | $4,842 | $58,108 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.47 | $2,905 | $34,865 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.98 | $1,937 | $23,243 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Elizabeth) | $27.94 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $58,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $57,593.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.94/hr = $34,865/year (purchasing power: $30,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,108/year (purchasing power: $50,441).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabeth grew 34.1% from $19.74/hr (2019) to $26.48/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.47/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
Consider the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabeth, who typically work around 24 hours per week. This schedule could result in an annual income of approximately $34,872, less than full-time counterparts but still competitive. Per-diem workers in the area often experience a varied landscape, charging between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-certified specialists potentially earning between $35 and $55 hourly. Demand for weekend or overnight shifts can yield upwards of $30 to $50 per hour, indicating that strategic scheduling is essential. Hourly rates may differ significantly based on the employer type; those in corporate chains or specialty practices often command higher pay but may trade off benefits. When negotiating pay, articulating relevant skillsets, credentials, and local market demand can lead to favorable outcomes in a competitive job environment for veterinary professionals in Elizabeth, NJ.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabeth in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Elizabeth?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Elizabeth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Elizabeth?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Elizabeth?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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