Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Rochester, NY: $25.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Rochester, NY runs $25.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,534 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, New York, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $25.27, surpassing the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive rate provides part-time workers, typically working three days a week or around 24 hours, with a solid income potential, allowing them to balance work with other commitments. In various settings such as general practices, specialty hospitals, and pharmaceutical research facilities, hourly wages range significantly from $23.09 (entry-level positions) to $30.03 (top earners). These figures, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlight not only the appeal of veterinary roles in Rochester but also the importance of ongoing professional development and specialization for greater pay.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.09 | $184.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.22 | $193.78 |
| Median (P50) | $25.27 | $202.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.76 | $230.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.03 | $240.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $25.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.27/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NY can expect to earn approximately $52,556 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,321. With a cost-of-living index of 97.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.69 | $4,380 | $52,556 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.41 | $2,628 | $31,534 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.28 | $1,752 | $21,022 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Rochester) | $25.27 |
| 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 Rochester, NY earn a median of $52,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.13% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.90% below the New York state average of $54,119.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.27/hr = $31,534/year (purchasing power: $32,497).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,556/year (purchasing power: $54,162).
CoL index: 97.035 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Rochester grew 32.2% from $18.12/hr (2019) to $23.95/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.66/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
When considering part-time opportunities, a veterinary technologist and technician working 24 hours per week can expect to net roughly $52,657 annually, which is a strong income but significantly less than full-time salaries. For those seeking per diem or agency work, pay can be more lucrative, with typical rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized VTS credentialed technicians can command up to $55 per hour in certain high-demand situations. Various employer types in Rochester also impact hourly wages, where corporate chains may offer benefits despite slightly lower pay compared to specialty facilities that pay hourly at a premium. Negotiating pay in this environment requires awareness of the trade-offs with benefits versus higher cash rates. Understanding the market dynamics and leveraging skills gained through programs like NAVTA or AVMA CVTEA can empower veterinary professionals to capitalize on the growing demand, especially as the industry faces ongoing workforce shortages.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Rochester. 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