Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $24.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Bethlehem, PA runs $24.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,243 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $24.23 for 2026, slightly above the national median of $24.03. This rate is particularly relevant for professionals working in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even zoos or pharmaceutical research labs. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $18.23 per hour, while experienced technicians may command up to $31.72. For part-time workers, especially those who might work three days a week, this translates to a stable income potential while allowing for flexible schedules. Per-diem positions also attract workers interested in varied experiences in animal care, with hourly rates reflecting the multifaceted nature of the job.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.23 | $145.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.77 | $158.17 |
| Median (P50) | $24.23 | $193.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.24 | $233.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.72 | $253.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $24.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $50,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,080. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.33 | $4,200 | $50,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.60 | $2,520 | $30,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.73 | $1,680 | $20,162 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Bethlehem) | $24.23 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $50,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.86% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $47,516.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.23/hr = $30,243/year (purchasing power: $31,051).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,405/year (purchasing power: $51,751).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bethlehem grew 34.1% from $17.12/hr (2019) to $22.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.57/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
Considering the dynamics of part-time and per-diem work, veterinary technologists and technicians in Bethlehem can see substantial differences in annual earnings depending on their work arrangements. A technician working 24 hours a week may take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts but can still earn a respectable income when balancing personal commitments and professional duties. Per-diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Bethlehem can range widely; typical hourly rates may hover between $25 and $40, while specialized roles could command even higher rates of $35 to $55 for Veterinary Technician Specialists. It's essential to recognize that pay structures differ among employer types, with corporate veterinary chains, specialty hospitals, and university facilities often offering distinct pay scales. Some technicians might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, emphasizing the choice between stability and higher hourly rates without benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Bethlehem, individuals should consider both their experience and the organizational context to align with competitive compensation trends.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Bethlehem in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Bethlehem?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Bethlehem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Bethlehem?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Bethlehem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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