Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Jersey City, NJ: $30.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Jersey City, NJ runs $30.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Jersey City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,420 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jersey City, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians in 2026 is set at $30.78. This figure significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $24.03, reflecting the competitive nature of the local job market. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,296 per week before deductions, which is substantial for vocational fields in the area. The hourly wage spans a range from $21.72 for entry-level positions to $41.85 for those at the top end of the experience spectrum. These pay estimates highlight the promising salary potential in various environments—from general veterinary practices to specialty hospitals, university clinics, and even research facilities, solidifying Jersey City's reputation as an attractive location for professionals in this field.
About the Jersey City 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) | $21.72 | $173.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.25 | $194.04 |
| Median (P50) | $30.78 | $246.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.79 | $302.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.85 | $334.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jersey City
Based on $30.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.78/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jersey City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $64,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,942. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jersey City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jersey City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,231.40 | $5,336 | $64,033 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.84 | $3,202 | $38,420 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.56 | $2,134 | $25,613 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Jersey City) | $30.78 |
| 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 Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $64,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.12% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 11.20% above the New Jersey state average of $57,592.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.78/hr = $38,420/year (purchasing power: $33,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,033/year (purchasing power: $55,584).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jersey City grew 34.1% from $21.75/hr (2019) to $29.18/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.48/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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City
Part-time employment as a veterinary technologist or technician presents intriguing financial dynamics. A professional working 24 hours per week can generate a take-home income significantly less than a full-time peer, so the full-time annual comparison should be adjusted for reduced hours. Per diem opportunities can be even more lucrative; for instance, vet techs frequently command rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, while specialized technicians may earn $35 to $55 per hour, particularly when covering weekends or overnight shifts in emergency rooms. Salaries can vary widely based on the type of employer—from corporate chains like VCA or BluePearl to independent practices and academic institutions. However, some employees may choose slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, particularly vital in today’s world. When negotiating, it's beneficial for hourly workers in Jersey City to emphasize their unique skills, such as VTS credentials, to justify higher pay rates and ensure they are adequately compensated for their expertise in this ever-evolving field.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Jersey City in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Jersey City?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Jersey City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Jersey City?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Jersey City?
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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 Jersey City. 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 Jersey City 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