Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Syracuse, NY: $25.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Syracuse, NY runs $25.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Syracuse's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,389 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Syracuse, NY, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $25.95. This figure is notably higher than the national hourly median of $24.03, reflecting the competitive demand for skilled professionals in the field. For part-time workers, such as those engaged three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a viable income that supports a balanced lifestyle, especially in various work environments like veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, or research facilities. The pay scale for these positions ranges from $23.97 at the entry-level to $30.59 for top earners, which illustrates the potential for growth as skills and experience are developed. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the evolving landscape of veterinary support roles in the region.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.52 | $196.15 |
| Median (P50) | $25.95 | $207.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.53 | $236.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.59 | $244.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Syracuse
Based on $25.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.95/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Syracuse, NY can expect to earn approximately $53,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,144. With a cost-of-living index of 95.74 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Syracuse.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Syracuse
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,038.12 | $4,499 | $53,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $622.87 | $2,699 | $32,389 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $415.25 | $1,799 | $21,593 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Syracuse) | $25.95 |
| 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 Syracuse, NY earn a median of $53,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.02% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.30% below the New York state average of $54,157.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.95/hr = $32,389/year (purchasing power: $33,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,982/year (purchasing power: $56,383).
CoL index: 95.742 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Syracuse grew 34.6% from $18.27/hr (2019) to $24.60/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.38/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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Syracuse can expect to bring home an annual income that significantly diverges from full-timers. Working just 24 hours a week might yield a respectable salary, but those pursuing per diem opportunities often find lucrative options. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Syracuse frequently ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized VTS credentialed technicians commanding even higher rates, between $35 and $55 hourly. Emergency and overnight shifts in understaffed hospitals can offer between $30 and $50 per hour, making these positions particularly attractive during workforce shortages. The pay rate does fluctuate based on employer types—general practices, corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and research labs all have varying salary structures. Therefore, vet techs may choose positions based on benefits versus hourly compensation, opting for slightly lower wages in roles that provide essential health insurance. Negotiating effectively for hourly positions requires understanding market value and recognizing the benefits associated with different work settings, particularly in a city like Syracuse.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Syracuse in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Syracuse?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Syracuse paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Syracuse?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Syracuse?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Syracuse. 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