Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Albany, NY: $29.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Albany, NY runs $29.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,981 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,195 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany, NY, earn a median hourly rate of $29.80, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This robust hourly compensation allows for various work arrangements, making it an appealing option for part-time and per-diem workers. With the potential to earn between $24.04 at the entry-level and up to $38.19 for the most experienced professionals, those pursuing careers in veterinary medicine will find that their work in general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, university clinics, or even in zoos and aquariums aligns with this attractive pay scale. The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is clear, indicating that skills and experience in Albany can result in noteworthy hourly wages that contribute positively to a veterinary technologist or technician's financial stability.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.04 | $192.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.39 | $203.15 |
| Median (P50) | $29.80 | $238.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.40 | $259.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.19 | $305.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albany
Based on $29.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.80/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albany, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,765. With a cost-of-living index of 99.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.15 | $5,166 | $61,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.29 | $3,100 | $37,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.86 | $2,066 | $24,797 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Albany) | $29.80 |
| 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 Albany, NY earn a median of $61,981 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.00% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 14.50% above the New York state average of $54,132.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.80/hr = $37,195/year (purchasing power: $37,357).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,992/year (purchasing power: $62,262).
CoL index: 99.566 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany grew 42.8% from $19.78/hr (2019) to $28.25/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.44/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 Albany 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 Albany
The earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians who work three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can be substantial. If one takes home the median hourly pay, this translates to around $46,758 annually, compared to a full-time schedule that significantly boosts total earnings. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Albany varies considerably among different types of employers—those who work for corporate chains such as VCA or BluePearl might see different rates compared to specialty hospitals or zoos. For instance, per-diem rates can range from $25 to $40 an hour, while highly specialized VTS credentialed positions may command $35 to $55 an hour. Further complicating this pay structure, weekend or overnight shifts might offer higher rates of $30 to $50 hourly. Some veterinary technologists accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like healthcare, which can be critical for those balancing work and personal needs. When negotiating hourly pay in Albany, understanding the nuances of different employers and the various roles available can empower professionals to advocate for their worth effectively.
More salary data for Albany, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Albany?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Albany paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Albany?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Albany?
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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 Albany. 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