Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $22.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Athens, OH runs $22.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,965 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Athens, Ohio, earn a median hourly rate of $22.41, which is approximately 6.76% below the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects what individuals might expect while working in various environments like general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university veterinary programs. For part-time workers, such as those pulling shifts in treatment areas or emergency clinics just three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a steady income but may limit full-year earnings compared to full-time roles. Entry-level positions may start closer to $17.82 per hour, while those with experience and specialized skills can earn up to $28.11 per hour. The hourly rates offered often depend on specific employment settings, driving a range of opportunities for veterinary professionals in Athens, OH.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.82 | $142.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.69 | $149.56 |
| Median (P50) | $22.41 | $179.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.54 | $212.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.11 | $224.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $22.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.41/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $46,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,890. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $896.33 | $3,884 | $46,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.80 | $2,330 | $27,965 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.53 | $1,554 | $18,644 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Athens) | $22.41 |
| 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 Athens, OH earn a median of $46,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $50,221.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.41/hr = $27,965/year (purchasing power: $30,833).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,609/year (purchasing power: $51,388).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Athens grew 34.1% from $15.83/hr (2019) to $21.24/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.64/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 Athens 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 Athens
Opportunities in Athens's veterinary sector can vary significantly depending on work arrangements. For those considering part-time work at 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can be around $27,886. In contrast, full-time positions will yield a more robust annual income. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians typically command rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialists in fields like surgery or emergency care potentially earning up to $55 per hour. Enticing but unpredictable, per diem roles might not offer benefits like health insurance that corporate facilities provide. In Athens, differences in pay exist between practices—general clinics may have lower pay scales compared to corporate hospital chains or specialized veterinary services. When negotiating, candidates should consider both the trade-off of hourly pay versus benefits, reflecting on what fits their financial needs and lifestyle.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Athens?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Athens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Athens?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Athens?
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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 Athens. 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 Athens 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