Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Dayton, OH: $24.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Dayton, OH runs $24.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Dayton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,138 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dayton, Ohio, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $24.15, slightly edging out the national median of $24.03. This rate significantly benefits those working part-time, such as professionals putting in three days a week, allowing them to balance work with other pursuits while still securing a stable income. Per-diem workers in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities, also see a range in their earnings. Entry-level practitioners earn approximately $18.07 per hour, while their experienced counterparts can command up to $30.55. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data highlights the diverse earning potential within this profession, reflecting the varying demands and responsibilities across different work environments in Dayton.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.07 | $144.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.44 | $187.54 |
| Median (P50) | $24.15 | $193.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.14 | $209.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.55 | $244.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dayton
Based on $24.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.15/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dayton, OH can expect to earn approximately $50,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,979. With a cost-of-living index of 92.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dayton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dayton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $965.96 | $4,186 | $50,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $579.57 | $2,511 | $30,138 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $386.38 | $1,674 | $20,092 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Dayton) | $24.15 |
| 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 Dayton, OH earn a median of $50,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% higher than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.15/hr = $30,138/year (purchasing power: $32,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,230/year (purchasing power: $54,189).
CoL index: 92.694 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dayton grew 30.9% from $17.48/hr (2019) to $22.89/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.48/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 Dayton 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 Dayton
For those considering part-time work, a three-day week typically nets a veterinary technologist and technician around $37,438 annually, which is markedly lower than the take-home pay of a full-time associate. However, per-diem and agency opportunities present a different reality, with many vet techs billing anywhere from $25 to $40 hourly, and those with specialty certifications achieving rates between $35 and $55. In addition, weekend and overnight shifts in emergency and critical care settings can offer premiums ranging from $30 to $50 per hour, especially in markets experiencing staffing shortages. Hourly wages can fluctuate based on the employer type, with corporate veterinary hospitals often providing benefits that attract workers even if the pay is lower than independent or specialty practices. For veterinary technologists and technicians in Dayton, negotiating for higher pay often involves weighing health benefits against pay rates, and understanding the local market can give job seekers a competitive edge.
More salary data for Dayton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Dayton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Dayton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Dayton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Dayton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Dayton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Dayton. 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