Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $24.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Cleveland, OH runs $24.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,783 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, Ohio, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $24.67 in 2026, slightly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers within various veterinary settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and university teaching hospitals. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $17.80 per hour, while experienced professionals may command up to $31.57, showcasing a breadth of potential earnings. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, the flexibility can still lead to competitive compensation while allowing for a balanced lifestyle or further education in specialized areas like emergency care or surgical assistance.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.80 | $142.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.02 | $184.16 |
| Median (P50) | $24.67 | $197.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.33 | $242.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.57 | $252.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $24.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.67/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $51,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,599. With a cost-of-living index of 93.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $986.64 | $4,275 | $51,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.98 | $2,565 | $30,783 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.65 | $1,710 | $20,522 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Cleveland) | $24.67 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $51,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.62% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 2.10% above the Ohio state average of $50,239.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.67/hr = $30,783/year (purchasing power: $32,775).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,305/year (purchasing power: $54,625).
CoL index: 93.923 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cleveland grew 39.4% from $16.77/hr (2019) to $23.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.02/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24-hour weeks can anticipate an annual take-home income that reflects their commitment, albeit at a reduced level compared to full-time staff. Per-diem or agency opportunities exist for those looking for variable schedules, often fetching between $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed technicians in specialty areas reaching rates of $35 to $55. Cleveland's employment landscape features various types of employers, from general practice clinics to corporate chain hospitals and niche facilities focused on research or wildlife rehabilitation. Those drawn to consistent benefits may prefer salaried positions with lower hourly rates, while others might opt for higher hourly wages without benefits in more flexible job settings. Effective negotiation tips for hourly workers include understanding market rates and emphasizing unique skills or certifications, particularly as the need for qualified veterinary staff continues to grow at an annual rate of 5.50%. In this evolving job market, understanding compensation structures will be key to advancing in the field.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Cleveland in 2026?
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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 Cleveland. 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