Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Princeton, NJ: $24.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Princeton, NJ runs $24.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Princeton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,875 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Princeton, New Jersey, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $24.74 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $24.03. This competitive hourly rate is indicative of the city's growing demand for skilled professionals in veterinary care across various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions. For part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, this hourly wage can translate into meaningful financial returns even with reduced weekly hours. The hourly pay range in Princeton spans from $19.11 for entry-level positions to $31.13 for those at the top of the pay scale, providing a pathway for career advancement and specialization. These figures are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the flexibility and potential earnings available in this rewarding yet essential field.
About the Princeton 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) | $19.11 | $152.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.35 | $162.81 |
| Median (P50) | $24.74 | $197.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.30 | $234.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.13 | $249.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Princeton
Based on $24.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.74/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Princeton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $51,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,688. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Princeton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Princeton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.59 | $4,288 | $51,459 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.75 | $2,573 | $30,875 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.84 | $1,715 | $20,583 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Princeton) | $24.74 |
| 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 Princeton, NJ earn a median of $51,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 10.60% below the New Jersey state average of $57,554.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.74/hr = $30,875/year (purchasing power: $26,801).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,459/year (purchasing power: $44,669).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Princeton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Princeton grew 34.1% from $17.48/hr (2019) to $23.45/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.10/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 Princeton 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 Princeton
Considering the earning potential for veterinary technologists and technicians, part-time workers operating on a 24-hour schedule could anticipate more than $51,000 annually, considerably benefitting from Princeton's compensation levels. Per diem arrangements are common in this profession, where veterinary technologist and technician pay in Princeton for agency roles can vary significantly. Rates may fall between $25 to $40 per hour, with specialty techs holding VTS credentials often earning as high as $35 to $55 per hour. Hospitals facing staffing shortages might offer even more attractive compensation for weekend or overnight coverage, ranging from $30 to $50 per hour. Different employer types such as general practice clinics and corporate conglomerates like VCA or BluePearl influence pay scales, making negotiation on hourly rates essential for professionals. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others may prefer the higher pay from per diem roles with no benefits. Ultimately, those seeking competitive rates in Princeton should be prepared to negotiate effectively based on the unique demands and expectations of their chosen workplace.
More salary data for Princeton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Princeton. 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 Princeton 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