Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Plainfield, NJ: $27.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Plainfield, NJ runs $27.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,475 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,483 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plainfield, NJ, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $27.63 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the strong demand for skilled professionals in settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU and emergency care wards, and university teaching hospitals. For those considering part-time work, averaging three days per week could yield substantial income, while per-diem workers benefit from flexible shifts that may cater to varied roles in veterinary practices. The hourly pay ranges from $20.07 for entry-level positions to approximately $38.04 for top earners, highlighting the opportunities for advancement and specialization within the field.
About the Plainfield 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) | $20.07 | $160.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.01 | $176.06 |
| Median (P50) | $27.63 | $221.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.80 | $262.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.04 | $304.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $27.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.63/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $57,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,157. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,105.22 | $4,789 | $57,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $663.13 | $2,874 | $34,483 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $442.09 | $1,916 | $22,989 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Plainfield) | $27.63 |
| 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 Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $57,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $57,591.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.63/hr = $34,483/year (purchasing power: $29,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,471/year (purchasing power: $49,888).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield grew 34.1% from $19.52/hr (2019) to $26.19/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.15/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield can be quite significant. Working just 24 hours a week, they can take home an estimated annual salary considerably less than their full-time counterparts, yet still maintain a decent standard of living given the area's cost of living index at 115.2. Per diem workers often find opportunities with flexible hours, billing between $25-$40 per hour, whereas those with VTS credentials typically secure rates of $35-$55 per hour. Additionally, veterinary technicians can expect varied compensation based on employer type; private clinics may offer lower rates, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals provide competitive hourly pay but might require longer hours. As professionals in this field negotiate their compensation, they often weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher pay for contract work that lacks benefits. In a competitive market, emphasizing unique skills and specialization can aid in forming favorable agreements.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Plainfield?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Plainfield?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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