Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lackawanna, NY: $24.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lackawanna, NY runs $24.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,667 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lackawanna's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,401 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lackawanna, NY, the projected veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.36, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This rate reflects the competitive nature of the job market, particularly in settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even zoo and aquarium medical units. It enables professionals to earn a respectable income, whether they are working part-time—typically around three days a week—or on a per-diem basis. For those starting out, hourly wages can begin at approximately $20.48, while top earners can reach $30.94. These figures, drawn from projected annual salaries, illustrate the varied income potential within the field and underscore the importance of experience and specialization.
About the Lackawanna 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) | $20.48 | $163.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.13 | $169.05 |
| Median (P50) | $24.36 | $194.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.10 | $232.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.94 | $247.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lackawanna
Based on $24.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.36/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lackawanna, NY can expect to earn approximately $50,669 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,232. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lackawanna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lackawanna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $974.40 | $4,222 | $50,669 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.64 | $2,533 | $30,401 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.76 | $1,689 | $20,267 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lackawanna) | $24.36 |
| 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 Lackawanna, NY earn a median of $50,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% below the New York state average of $54,132.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.36/hr = $30,401/year (purchasing power: $26,231).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,669/year (purchasing power: $43,718).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lackawanna grew 34.1% from $17.21/hr (2019) to $23.09/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.70/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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Lackawanna can expect to take home a significantly different annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Working a typical schedule of 24 hours over three days can yield around $33,499 annually, which provides a flexible option for those balancing other commitments. For those taking on per-diem roles, rates often fall between $25 and $40 per hour, offering more opportunities to maximize earnings through agency positions. Specialty and credentialed technicians, particularly those with Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) qualifications, can command hourly rates from $35 to $55 in specialized fields such as emergency and critical care. While opportunities in corporate chain hospitals may present lower hourly compensation, benefits like health insurance can attract some workers to these positions. Those looking to negotiate hourly pay should be prepared with knowledge of the local market and strive to weigh the trade-offs between higher pay and valuable benefits.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lackawanna in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lackawanna?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lackawanna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lackawanna?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lackawanna?
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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 Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna 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