Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $23.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cortland, NY runs $23.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,914 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cortland, New York, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.97, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This pay is positioned within a range reflecting various experience levels, from entry-level roles starting around $19.50 to top earners receiving approximately $29.72 per hour. Such hourly rates are crucial for part-time workers and per-diem professionals who often operate in diverse settings ranging from general practice facilities to specialized veterinary hospitals. For example, a part-time employee working three days a week could find this pay structure beneficial for balancing work with studies or other commitments—often finding success in busy animal clinics, emergency care environments, or educational institutions.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York 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) | $19.50 | $155.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.32 | $162.55 |
| Median (P50) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.69 | $229.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.72 | $237.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $23.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.97/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $49,857 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,764. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $958.78 | $4,155 | $49,857 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.27 | $2,493 | $29,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.51 | $1,662 | $19,943 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cortland) | $23.97 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $49,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.27% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $54,125.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.97/hr = $29,914/year (purchasing power: $25,810).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,857/year (purchasing power: $43,017).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cortland grew 34.1% from $16.94/hr (2019) to $22.72/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.29/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
For those considering a part-time position, actual earnings can differ significantly; a veterinary technologist or technician working 24 hours per week would see less annual income compared to a full-time worker. In the per-diem sphere, the landscape varies widely, with vet techs charging between $25 and $40 per hour, while specialty certified technicians may demand even higher rates of $35-$55 depending on their expertise and the demand in understaffed environments. Various employers in Cortland influence hourly pay rates, from corporate veterinary chains to universities and research facilities, creating distinct earning potentials across the board. Many professionals must balance higher hourly wages with lacking benefits, leading to negotiation strategies that incorporate healthcare coverage value against hourly compensation. Understanding these dynamics can assist veterinary technologists and technicians in making informed career choices that fit their financial needs and career goals effectively.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cortland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Cortland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Cortland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Cortland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Cortland?
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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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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