Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $28.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Ithaca, NY runs $28.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,523 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,720 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ithaca, New York, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $28.62, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This premium reflects the demand for skilled professionals in diverse environments such as general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICUs, university teaching hospitals, and even zoo medical units. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, which are common in this field, this translates to a potential earning range where entry-level technicians might start at around $22.82, while more experienced professionals could command up to $30.12 per hour. Given that many veterinary technologists and technicians in Ithaca work in busy facilities with high patient turnover, the hourly rate is key for both budget-conscious employers and workers weighing their scheduling options.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.82 | $182.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.12 | $200.96 |
| Median (P50) | $28.62 | $228.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.12 | $240.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.12 | $240.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $28.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.62/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,347. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,144.89 | $4,961 | $59,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $686.93 | $2,977 | $35,720 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.95 | $1,984 | $23,814 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Ithaca) | $28.62 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $59,523 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.08% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 9.90% above the New York state average of $54,161.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.62/hr = $35,720/year (purchasing power: $34,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,534/year (purchasing power: $57,623).
CoL index: 103.317 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ithaca grew 21.2% from $22.39/hr (2019) to $27.13/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.20/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, one can see that a typical three-day work schedule of 24 hours could yield approximately $44,330 annually, distinguishing it from full-time income. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Ithaca can vary widely; professionals often bill between $25 and $40 per hour for standard shifts, while those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials can earn upwards of $35 to $55 per hour in specialty referral settings. The differences in hourly rates across employer types highlight the pay dynamics, with corporate chains and specialty hospitals generally offering higher compensation than general practice clinics. The decision to prioritize hourly pay over benefits, or vice versa, often depends on individual circumstances, particularly for those who may prefer flexible scheduling to accommodate other commitments. With the ongoing workforce shortage in veterinary medicine, effective negotiation for hourly wages could also give those in the field leverage to secure better pay rates across various employment types in Ithaca.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Ithaca in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Ithaca?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Ithaca paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Ithaca?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Ithaca?
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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 Ithaca. 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, 6-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