Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $22.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Chester, PA runs $22.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,544 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chester, Pennsylvania, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $22.07 in 2026, a figure that trails behind the national hourly median of $24.03. This pay scale reflects the work typical for veterinary technologists and technicians in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and even exotic animal facilities. For part-time technicians working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for significant flexibility, while per-diem opportunities could potentially enhance earnings but might vary widely based on the nature of the work and the specific setting. Within Chester, the hourly range for this profession can start from $18.00, rising to $27.60 for those at the top of their field, indicating a diverse landscape of earning potential influenced by experience and specialization.
About the Chester 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) | $18.00 | $143.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.86 | $150.91 |
| Median (P50) | $22.07 | $176.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.96 | $207.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.60 | $220.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $22.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.07/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $45,907 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,485. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $882.82 | $3,826 | $45,907 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.69 | $2,295 | $27,544 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.13 | $1,530 | $18,363 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Chester) | $22.07 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $45,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.16% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,522.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.07/hr = $27,544/year (purchasing power: $28,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,907/year (purchasing power: $47,132).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chester grew 34.1% from $15.60/hr (2019) to $20.92/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.28/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 Chester 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 Chester
Considering the prospects for part-time workers, a veterinary technologist and technician in Chester can earn a stable income while balancing other commitments, bringing home a substantial amount annually. Per-diem roles are appealing as well, particularly for those who can command rates between $25 and $40 per hour, with specialty technicians often exceeding this range with rates of $35 to $55. The variability in hourly pay across different employer types adds another dynamic to the equation. General practice clinics might offer more stable hours and benefits, while corporate chains and specialty hospitals may entice workers with higher hourly rates, albeit with less job security. When negotiating pay, particularly in Chester's competitive market, technicians should emphasize their credentials, such as VTS specialty designations, which can significantly boost earning potential, highlighting the ongoing importance of professional development in an evolving job market.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Chester in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Chester?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Chester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Chester?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Chester?
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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 Chester. 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 Chester 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