Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Toms River, NJ: $27.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Toms River, NJ runs $27.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Toms River's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,061 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary technologists and technicians in Toms River, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $27.29, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive pay provides ample opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, who often operate in diverse settings including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even zoos. The hourly pay scale ranges from $21.59 for entry-level positions to $35.16 for experienced professionals, illustrating a healthy growth trajectory in the field. As estimated from annual salary data, it’s clear that veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Toms River offers significant earning potential compared to positions elsewhere in the country, reflecting the local demand for skilled personnel and the associated cost of living.
About the Toms River 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) | $21.59 | $172.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.97 | $183.74 |
| Median (P50) | $27.29 | $218.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.60 | $260.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.16 | $281.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Toms River
Based on $27.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.29/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Toms River, NJ can expect to earn approximately $56,769 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,751. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Toms River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Toms River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,091.71 | $4,731 | $56,769 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.03 | $2,838 | $34,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.69 | $1,892 | $22,708 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Toms River) | $27.29 |
| 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 Toms River, NJ earn a median of $56,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $57,580.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.29/hr = $34,061/year (purchasing power: $29,567).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,769/year (purchasing power: $49,279).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Toms River grew 34.1% from $19.29/hr (2019) to $25.87/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.79/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 Toms River 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 Toms River
For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working three days a week, their annual income can vary significantly, particularly when compared to full-time counterparts. Working around 24 hours weekly might yield about $33,000 yearly, significantly lower than the projected full-time earnings. Many vet techs opt for per diem positions, which typically pay between $25 and $40 hourly, while those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can reach $35-$55 per hour in specialty environments. Hourly rates fluctuate according to the employer type, with corporate chain hospitals often offering more stable benefits but possibly lower rates than independent practices. This can lead to crucial trade-offs as many professionals weigh hourly pay against health insurance options. To maximize their earnings, local veterinary technologists and technicians should be proactive in negotiating pay, particularly in a market where demand continues to outstrip supply.
More salary data for Toms River, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Toms River in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Toms River?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Toms River paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Toms River?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Toms River?
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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 Toms River. 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 Toms River 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