Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $26.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kearny, NJ runs $26.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, New Jersey, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $26.79, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This favorable hourly rate offers significant opportunities for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, providing a potential source of income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem professionals, often filling in at general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or research facilities, benefit from this competitive compensation as well. Entry-level positions in this field start around $21.87 per hour, while top earners can command rates as high as $35.11 per hour, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization within the profession.
About the Kearny 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) | $21.87 | $174.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.94 | $183.49 |
| Median (P50) | $26.79 | $214.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.56 | $252.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.11 | $280.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $26.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.79/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $55,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,144. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.46 | $4,643 | $55,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.87 | $2,786 | $33,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.58 | $1,857 | $22,286 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kearny) | $26.79 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $55,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $57,608.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.79/hr = $33,429/year (purchasing power: $29,019).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,716/year (purchasing power: $48,364).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kearny grew 34.1% from $18.93/hr (2019) to $25.39/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.26/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
Considering the financial prospects, those working part-time as veterinary technologists and technicians in Kearny would take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, with a typical annual earning reflecting only three days a week. On average, per diem veterinary technologists and technicians often charge between $25 and $40 per hour for their services, while specialty roles, particularly those with VTS credentials, might earn between $35 and $55 hourly. Additionally, weekend shifts or emergency overnight coverage can yield even higher rates in understaffed hospitals. Employers in Kearny vary widely—from general practice clinics to corporate chains and specialty referral hospitals—each offering different pay scales influenced by benefits packages. Some professionals may take positions with lower hourly wages but enhanced job benefits, a strategic decision reflecting the workforce shortage in the veterinary industry, which has seen pay rises of 25-40% in many markets in recent years. For those seeking to negotiate hourly rates, emphasizing specialized skills or a willingness to work in high-demand areas can be advantageous in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kearny in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kearny?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kearny paid hourly or salary?
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Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kearny?
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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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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