Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $27.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Paterson, NJ runs $27.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,522 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, NJ, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $27.66 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This means that part-time workers in this field, typically those working three days a week, can expect to take home a considerable pay while balancing their professional responsibilities with personal life. The hourly wage for entry-level positions starts at about $21.16, while experienced practitioners can command up to $37.78 per hour. These numbers reflect the broader employment landscape in settings like general veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research facilities, providing a clear financial picture for prospective veterinary technologists and technicians in Paterson.
About the Paterson 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) | $21.16 | $169.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.84 | $182.73 |
| Median (P50) | $27.66 | $221.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.83 | $278.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.78 | $302.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $27.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.66/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $57,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,195. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,106.48 | $4,795 | $57,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $663.89 | $2,877 | $34,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.59 | $1,918 | $23,015 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Paterson) | $27.66 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $57,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $57,600.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.66/hr = $34,522/year (purchasing power: $29,967).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,537/year (purchasing power: $49,945).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Paterson grew 34.1% from $19.55/hr (2019) to $26.22/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.18/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
When considering the earning potential for part-time versus full-time roles, a veterinary technologist or technician working three days a week, clocking in about 24 hours per week, can expect annual earnings significantly more limited than those of full-time professionals. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Paterson typically earn between $25 and $40 per hour, escalating for specialists, especially those holding VTS credentials who can bill $35 to $55 per hour. Institutions like general practice clinics usually offer lower rates compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals, which may pay more upfront but often lack health benefits. For many in the field, the decision comes down to choosing between higher hourly wages without benefits or a more stable salary with health insurance. As hourly workers look to negotiate their pay, understanding the competitive market in Paterson and knowing how to effectively represent one’s qualifications, particularly when seeking positions in specialized areas, is crucial in a profession facing a workforce shortage.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Paterson in 2026?
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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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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