Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in North Bergen, NJ: $26.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in North Bergen, NJ runs $26.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,843 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against North Bergen's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,508 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Bergen, NJ, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $26.85 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $24.03. This higher pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary medicine, especially as the industry grapples with workforce shortages. For those considering part-time or per diem work, such as in general practice settings, specialty hospital ICUs, or even university teaching hospitals, the earnings can range from $20.53 at entry-level positions to $35.35 for top earners. These hourly estimates are derived from salary data and can provide valuable insights for potential job seekers or current technicians contemplating a shift in their career path.
About the North Bergen 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) | $20.53 | $164.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.48 | $171.84 |
| Median (P50) | $26.85 | $214.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.60 | $260.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.35 | $282.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Bergen
Based on $26.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.85/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Bergen, NJ can expect to earn approximately $55,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,220. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Bergen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Bergen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,073.99 | $4,654 | $55,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $644.39 | $2,792 | $33,508 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.60 | $1,862 | $22,339 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (North Bergen) | $26.85 |
| 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 North Bergen, NJ earn a median of $55,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the New Jersey state average of $57,570.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.85/hr = $33,508/year (purchasing power: $29,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,847/year (purchasing power: $48,479).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in North Bergen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Bergen grew 34.1% from $18.97/hr (2019) to $25.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.33/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 North Bergen 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 North Bergen
Evaluating part-time earnings, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to take home about $33,610 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In the per-diem realm, pay varies widely; many veterinary technicians charge between $25 and $40 an hour, while specialty techs with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can demand $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight emergency roles often reach $30 to $50 an hour, especially in North Bergen's competitive market. The type of employer also influences pay significantly; general clinics may offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals. Although some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, understanding the total compensation package is crucial for making informed decisions. In such a dynamic environment, veterinary technicians should be prepared to negotiate their hourly rates, particularly given the acute shortage in the field, which can create leverage for better compensation.
More salary data for North Bergen, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in North Bergen in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in North Bergen?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in North Bergen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in North Bergen?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in North Bergen?
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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 North Bergen. 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 North Bergen 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