Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $24.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Trenton, NJ runs $24.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,450 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,270 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Trenton, New Jersey, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $24.25 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate offers a competitive edge for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, common in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even pharmaceutical research labs. On an hourly basis, entry-level positions typically start at $18.67, while more experienced technicians can earn up to $35.75, reflecting the diverse stages of a career in this field. These figures are sourced from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data and emphasize the evolving financial landscape for veterinary professionals in Trenton.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.67 | $149.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.40 | $171.16 |
| Median (P50) | $24.25 | $194.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.35 | $226.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.75 | $286.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $24.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.25/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $50,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,105. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $970.18 | $4,204 | $50,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $582.11 | $2,522 | $30,270 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $388.07 | $1,682 | $20,180 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Trenton) | $24.25 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $50,450 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 12.40% below the New Jersey state average of $57,591.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.25/hr = $30,270/year (purchasing power: $29,337).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,449/year (purchasing power: $48,894).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Trenton grew 31.4% from $17.49/hr (2019) to $22.99/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.59/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
Exploring part-time earning potential reveals that those working three days a week can annualize their income differently compared to full-time professionals. For instance, a part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $30,240 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem or agency positions offer flexibility, with veterinary technologists often billing at rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. For those with VTS credentials, specialty work can yield even higher pay, from $35 to $55 per hour. It’s essential to consider that hourly rates can differ based on employer types in Trenton, with corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers often offering more competitive wages, whereas smaller practices may provide lower pay but added benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay, it's crucial to understand these dynamics and articulate the value of specialized credentials, which can warrant higher compensation in an increasingly competitive market.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Trenton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Trenton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Trenton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Trenton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Trenton?
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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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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