Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Erie, PA: $19.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Erie, PA runs $19.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,261 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,753 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Erie, Pennsylvania, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to be $19.83 in 2026, which positions it significantly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This median rate reflects the experiences of those working in diverse settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital wards, and even university clinics. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the flexibility can be attractive, especially when combined with per-diem opportunities that often cater to emergent staffing needs at various facilities. Entry-level earnings start at around $15.56 hourly, with established professionals able to command up to $24.31 per hour, underlining a clear pay progression associated with experience and specialization—an important consideration for those aiming to advance in their careers.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.56 | $124.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.43 | $147.45 |
| Median (P50) | $19.83 | $158.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.85 | $190.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.31 | $194.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $19.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.83/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, PA can expect to earn approximately $41,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,801. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $793.36 | $3,438 | $41,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $476.02 | $2,063 | $24,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $317.34 | $1,375 | $16,502 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Erie) | $19.83 |
| 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 Erie, PA earn a median of $41,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.45% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 13.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,481.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.83/hr = $24,753/year (purchasing power: $27,216).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,255/year (purchasing power: $45,360).
CoL index: 90.95 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+62.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Erie grew 45.6% from $12.91/hr (2019) to $18.80/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.92/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 Erie 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 Erie
When comparing the earning potential of various employment scenarios within this field, part-time veterinary technologists and technicians working 24 hours a week in Erie could expect to take home approximately $30,000 annually, less than half of what a full-time employee might earn. Per diem roles, however, can provide enhanced flexibility and better compensation; it's common for per-diem veterinary technologists to bill between $25 to $40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialists sometimes earning between $35 to $55 per hour. The reality is that hourly rates can vary widely depending on the type of employer—whether it’s a corporate chain, a specialty referral hospital, or a university facility. Additionally, many technicians may find themselves weighing the benefits of steady employment that includes health insurance against the higher pay options available through agencies or locum positions, often without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay in Erie can be complex; understanding the market demand and preparing to discuss credentials, such as those from NAVTA or AVMA-accredited programs, is vital for securing a favorable rate.
More salary data for Erie, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Erie?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Erie?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
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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 Erie. 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, 7-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