Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lakewood, OH: $24.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lakewood, OH runs $24.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,975 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,980 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood, Ohio, the median hourly pay is projected to be $24.02 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate can provide a stable income for both part-time and per-diem workers who may choose to work in diverse environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, or even university clinics. With an hourly range from $17.43 at the entry-level (P10) to $32.92 for the most experienced technicians (P90), opportunities exist across various settings, enabling technicians to handle everything from routine check-ups to critical care in specialized environments. The estimated hourly pay, derived from annual salary data, reflects the increasing need and value of vet techs in a market that has seen growth driven by a rigorous demand for animal care amidst a nationwide shortage.
About the Lakewood 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) | $17.43 | $139.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.04 | $152.34 |
| Median (P50) | $24.02 | $192.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.95 | $231.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.92 | $263.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $24.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.02/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, OH can expect to earn approximately $49,966 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,827. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $960.89 | $4,164 | $49,966 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.54 | $2,498 | $29,980 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.36 | $1,666 | $19,987 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lakewood) | $24.02 |
| 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 Lakewood, OH earn a median of $49,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.50% below the Ohio state average of $50,226.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.02/hr = $29,980/year (purchasing power: $33,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,966/year (purchasing power: $55,090).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood grew 34.1% from $16.97/hr (2019) to $22.77/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.34/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Transitioning to a part-time role—specifically working three days a week for about 24 hours—offers a different financial landscape compared to full-time positions. Those part-time veterinary technologists and technicians could expect a take-home income that varies significantly from their full-time counterparts, allowing for either additional flexibility or supplemental income through varied work arrangements. Furthermore, per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Lakewood typically ranges between $25 and $40 per hour, depending on the role and the urgency of the need, with specialized roles like VTS-credentialed techs often commanding $35 to $55 per hour in niche settings. Employers of different types—such as general practice clinics or corporate chains—often show variance in pay, leading some techs to opt for higher hourly wages over comprehensive benefits. For those considering hourly roles, negotiation can be key; understanding the market rate and expressing the specific skills can significantly impact offers, especially in a competitive area like Lakewood, OH.
More salary data for Lakewood, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lakewood?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lakewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lakewood?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lakewood?
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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