Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $27.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Passaic, NJ runs $27.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,362 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,811 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Passaic, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $27.09, notably surpassing the national average of $24.03. This difference is significant, implying that professionals in Passaic benefit from a competitive edge in the local job market. For part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, this rate translates to a consistent income, allowing for a balanced work-life scenario while also providing financial stability. Per-diem positions, in environments like specialty hospital ICUs and university veterinary clinics, offer a wide hourly range, with entry-level technicians earning around $21.11 and experienced professionals potentially reaching $37.23. This wage progression is representative of the skills and certifications gained, including credentials from respected organizations like NAVTA or VTS specialization, which can enhance earning potential.
About the Passaic 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) | $21.11 | $168.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.57 | $180.53 |
| Median (P50) | $27.09 | $216.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.75 | $270.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.23 | $297.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $27.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.09/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,352 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,511. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,083.70 | $4,696 | $56,352 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.22 | $2,818 | $33,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.48 | $1,878 | $22,541 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Passaic) | $27.09 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $56,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $57,571.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.09/hr = $33,811/year (purchasing power: $29,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,352/year (purchasing power: $48,917).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Passaic grew 34.1% from $19.14/hr (2019) to $25.68/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.58/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
Evaluating the earning prospects reveals that a part-time veterinary technologist and technician might bring home approximately $33,573 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts yet still providing a viable option for those seeking flexibility. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Passaic can range broadly; common billing rates for agency workers are typically between $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists commanding even higher rates, often between $35-$55 hourly, particularly for weekend or overnight shifts. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals or specialty clinics may offer varying rates, with practices often reflecting budget constraints and staffing shortages impacting pay scales. Many technicians choose jobs with lower hourly wages that offer benefits, such as health insurance, versus higher hourly pay without those perks. For those negotiating hourly pay, highlighting qualifications and willingness to work in understaffed areas can provide leverage in discussions, especially given the acute veterinary technician workforce shortage in Passaic.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Passaic in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Passaic?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Passaic paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Passaic?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Passaic?
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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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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