Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Shaker Heights, OH: $23.28 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Shaker Heights, OH runs $23.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Shaker Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,058 per year.

$48,432
Median Annual Salary
$23.28/hr
Hourly Rate
$39,286
Entry Level (P10)
$63,216
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Rate in Shaker Heights, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Shaker Heights, OH veterinary technologist and technician hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Shaker Heights, Ohio, the median hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians stands at $23.28, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate can be especially appealing for part-time workers, particularly those who choose to work three days a week. In typical environments such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU/ECC wards, and university teaching hospital clinics, hourly wages can vary significantly. Entry-level positions might start around $18.88, while experienced technicians in high-demand settings may command rates up to $30.39 per hour. These figures derive from annual salary data but provide valuable insights into the earning potential across different job settings in Shaker Heights.

About the Shaker Heights Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.88$151.08
Lower Range (P25)$19.84$158.76
Median (P50)$23.28$186.27
Upper Range (P75)$27.35$218.76
Top Earners (P90)$30.39$243.16

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shaker Heights

Based on $23.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Shaker Heights earning $23.28/hr would make approximately $27,941 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $48,430 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$27,941Reduced (32 hr/wk)$37,254Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$48,430

At $23.28/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shaker Heights, OH can expect to earn approximately $48,430 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,941. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shaker Heights.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$186.27
per 8hr shift
$931.35
per week
$4,036
per month
$48,430
per year

Schedule Comparison in Shaker Heights

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$931.35$4,036$48,430
Part-Time (24 hrs)$558.81$2,422$29,058
Per Diem (16 hrs)$372.54$1,614$19,372

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Shaker Heights)$23.28
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing veterinary technologist and technician median salary in Shaker Heights ($48,432) with Ohio average ($50,241) and the US national median ($49,986).Shaker Heights$48,432Ohio Avg$50,241-3.60%US National$49,986-3.11%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Shaker Heights, OH earn a median of $48,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.11% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.60% below the Ohio state average of $50,241.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $23.28/hr = $29,058/year (purchasing power: $32,038).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,430/year (purchasing power: $53,396).

CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$16.45/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$22.07/hr

2026 Current Est.

$23.28/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+49.3%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Shaker Heights (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shaker Heights. Baseline $16.45/hr in 2025, projected to $24.56/hr by 2027.$13$17$20$23$262019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.45$16.89$17.17$17.81$20.37$15.14$22.07$23.28$24.56
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$16.45/hrActual
2020$16.89/hrActual
2021$17.17/hrActual
2022$17.81/hrActual
2023$20.37/hrActual
2024$15.14/hrActual
2025$22.07/hrActual
2026(current)$23.28/hrEstimated
2027$24.56/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shaker Heights grew 34.1% from $16.45/hr (2019) to $22.07/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.56/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shaker Heights metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Shaker Heights

For part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can be quite different compared to full-time counterparts. Those who work on a per-diem or agency basis can expect to earn between $25 and $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists potentially garnering $35 to $55 per hour. Weekend and overnight shifts in emergency settings may reach rates of $30 to $50, especially in areas with staff shortages. Pay can differ substantially depending on the employer type; veterinary clinics, corporate chain hospitals, and specialty referral hospitals each have distinct compensation structures. While some professionals might opt for a lower hourly rate for access to benefits like health insurance, others prioritize the higher wages available through per diem work. Understanding how to negotiate hourly pay in Shaker Heights, particularly with knowledge of the market trends and specific employer pay practices, can empower professionals to optimize their earnings in this growing field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shaker Heights in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Shaker Heights is $23.28/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $18.88 at entry level (10th percentile) to $30.39 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.1% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Shaker Heights?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Shaker Heights earns approximately $2,422/month, or $29,058/year at the median hourly rate of $23.28. Many veterinary technologists and technicians prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Shaker Heights paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Shaker Heights are paid hourly at a median rate of $23.28/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $48,430/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Shaker Heights?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Shaker Heights earns approximately $48,430/year at the median hourly rate of $23.28. This is 3.1% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $63,221/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Shaker Heights?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Shaker Heights sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $30.39/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

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 Shaker Heights. 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 Shaker Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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