Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Old Bridge, NJ: $27.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Old Bridge, NJ runs $27.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Old Bridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Old Bridge, New Jersey, the 2026 veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate stands at $27.36, which exceeds the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various settings, ranging from general practices to specialty hospitals and research facilities. For part-time workers, such as those taking on 24 hours a week across three days, this translates to a flexible income that can help support a work-life balance. The hourly pay range starts at $21.71 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $37.04 for those at the top end of the pay scale, indicative of the expertise and specializations gained over time.
About the Old Bridge 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) | $21.71 | $173.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.10 | $184.84 |
| Median (P50) | $27.36 | $218.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.77 | $262.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.04 | $296.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Old Bridge
Based on $27.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.36/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Old Bridge, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,827. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Old Bridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Old Bridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,094.25 | $4,742 | $56,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.55 | $2,845 | $34,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.70 | $1,897 | $22,760 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Old Bridge) | $27.36 |
| 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 Old Bridge, NJ earn a median of $56,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.84% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% below the New Jersey state average of $57,597.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.36/hr = $34,140/year (purchasing power: $29,636).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,901/year (purchasing power: $49,393).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Old Bridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Old Bridge grew 34.1% from $19.33/hr (2019) to $25.93/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.86/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 Old Bridge 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 Old Bridge
For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, earnings can vary considerably. A 24-hour workweek can yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, often creating a challenge for balancing income and benefits. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Old Bridge may command between $25 to $40 per hour, while those in specialized roles with VTS credentials can earn $35 to $55 hourly. Weekend and overnight shifts at understaffed emergency hospitals can provide even higher rates, from $30 to $50 hourly. Different employer types within the region often offer disparate pay rates; general practices might offer lower hourly wages compared to corporate chain hospitals and specialty facilities. It is critical for candidates to weigh the trade-offs of a higher hourly rate against the benefits that may come with lower-paying positions, as health insurance and stability can play key roles in job satisfaction. When negotiating pay, it’s beneficial to have a clear understanding of local pay scales and emphasize any specialty certifications to enhance leverage for a better hourly rate.
More salary data for Old Bridge, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Old Bridge in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Old Bridge?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Old Bridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Old Bridge?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Old Bridge?
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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 Old Bridge. 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 Old Bridge 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