Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $21.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Altoona, PA runs $21.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,384 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,636 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $21.34, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy indicates varying financial prospects for professionals in the area, particularly for those seeking part-time or per-diem work. For individuals working three days a week, approximately 24 hours, the annual income can substantially differ from full-time positions, affecting lifestyle choices. Per-diem roles are quite prevalent within settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and pharmaceutical labs, with entry-level professionals earning around $17.24 per hour, while experienced technicians can reach as high as $24.41 per hour, reflecting the salary range of this field. These figures are drawn from the projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.24 | $137.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.11 | $144.91 |
| Median (P50) | $21.34 | $170.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.89 | $175.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.41 | $195.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $21.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.34/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $44,393 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,611. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $853.71 | $3,699 | $44,393 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $512.22 | $2,220 | $26,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $341.48 | $1,480 | $17,757 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Altoona) | $21.34 |
| 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 Altoona, PA earn a median of $44,384 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.21% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,520.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.34/hr = $26,636/year (purchasing power: $29,758).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,393/year (purchasing power: $49,597).
CoL index: 89.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Altoona grew 34.1% from $15.08/hr (2019) to $20.23/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.52/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 Altoona 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 Altoona
Considering the earning potential for a part-time veterinary technologist and technician, working 24 hours a week can yield approximately $26,565 annually, a stark contrast to the combined yearly income from full-time positions. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Altoona usually allows for billing $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty techs commanding $35 to $55 per hour in more prestigious roles. The hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the employer, whether in a corporate chain hospital or a veterinary specialty referral clinic, creating a spectrum of options for professionals. While some may choose lower hourly rates for the stability of health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay, noting that many facilities offer premium rates during weekends and overnight shifts due to staffing shortages. For those navigating contract negotiations, pointing to industry standards and demonstrating specialized skills can enhance potential pay, particularly in an evolving field faced with a critical shortage of trained technicians.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Altoona in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Altoona?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Altoona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Altoona?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Altoona?
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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 Altoona. 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, 5-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