Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Montclair, NJ: $27.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Montclair, NJ runs $27.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Montclair's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,206 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Montclair, New Jersey, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $27.41, which is notably higher than the national median of $24.03. This favorable pay scales well for both part-time employees, typically working around three days a week, and per-diem workers across varied settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching facilities. For those entering the field, hourly rates start at approximately $21.09, while top earners can command rates of up to $34.61. These hourly earnings reflect the projected landscape for 2026, influenced in part by the rising demand for veterinary professionals amid workforce shortages in the veterinary industry.
About the Montclair 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) | $21.09 | $168.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.64 | $189.14 |
| Median (P50) | $27.41 | $219.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.45 | $259.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.61 | $276.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montclair
Based on $27.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montclair, NJ can expect to earn approximately $57,011 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,891. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montclair.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montclair
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,096.36 | $4,751 | $57,011 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $657.81 | $2,851 | $34,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.54 | $1,900 | $22,804 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Montclair) | $27.41 |
| 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 Montclair, NJ earn a median of $57,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% below the New Jersey state average of $57,592.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.41/hr = $34,206/year (purchasing power: $29,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,011/year (purchasing power: $49,488).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Montclair (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Montclair grew 34.1% from $19.37/hr (2019) to $25.98/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.92/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 Montclair 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 Montclair
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians choosing a three-day work week typically results in an annual salary significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts. While full-time staff may enjoy consistent paychecks and associated benefits, part-time and per-diem roles present unique financial dynamics. For instance, per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians commonly charge between $25-$40 per hour, with specialists in fields like emergency care or surgical specialties hitting $35-$55 per hour. This sector's variability means that while some may select positions with higher hourly pay but no benefits, others might opt for jobs with lower hourly compensation to access vital health insurance. Negotiation is crucial, especially in Montclair's diverse employment landscape — understanding specific employer types, such as corporate chains versus specialty hospitals, can provide leverage when discussing pay and benefits.
More salary data for Montclair, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Montclair in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Montclair?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Montclair paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Montclair?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Montclair?
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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 Montclair. 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 Montclair 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