Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Union, NJ: $27.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Union, NJ runs $27.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,133 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Union's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,878 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Union, New Jersey, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $27.95, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This hourly pay, derived from projected annual figures, creates an appealing opportunity for both part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, and per-diem staff functioning in diverse clinical environments like specialty hospitals, university clinics, and pharmaceutical research facilities. The hourly range in Union varies widely, starting from $20.82 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $36.32 for top earners. Such rates reflect the competitive nature of the veterinary field in NJ, where specialized training and credentials can significantly influence earning potential.
About the Union 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) | $20.82 | $166.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.64 | $181.12 |
| Median (P50) | $27.95 | $223.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.56 | $268.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.32 | $290.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union
Based on $27.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.95/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union, NJ can expect to earn approximately $58,130 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,536. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,117.88 | $4,844 | $58,130 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.73 | $2,906 | $34,878 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.15 | $1,938 | $23,252 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Union) | $27.95 |
| 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 Union, NJ earn a median of $58,133 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $57,557.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.95/hr = $34,878/year (purchasing power: $30,276).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,130/year (purchasing power: $50,460).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Union grew 34.1% from $19.75/hr (2019) to $26.49/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.48/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 Union 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 Union
When considering the part-time working scenario, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week would bring home an annual income less than full-time counterparts, highlighting the need for strategic financial planning. Per-diem opportunities often offer an attractive pay scale; workers can charge between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty technicians earning upwards of $35 to $55, particularly during high-demand shifts or in underserved markets. In Union, pay rates can vary considerably among different employer types, impacting overall earnings and benefits. While some professionals opt for corporate chains for health insurance and stability, others might prefer higher hourly wages in private practices. Negotiating hourly pay in this market often involves demonstrating specialty certifications, such as obtaining the VTS credential, which can enhance one's marketability amid the current veterinary technician workforce shortage in New Jersey.
More salary data for Union, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Union in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Union?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Union paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Union?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Union?
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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 Union. 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 Union 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