Vet Tech salary

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Harrisburg, PA: $23.08 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Harrisburg, PA runs $23.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Harrisburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.7, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,808 per year.

$48,013
Median Annual Salary
$23.08/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,708
Entry Level (P10)
$60,663
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

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

In 2026, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is projected to be $23.08, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate offers a viable income for both full-time and part-time workers in various settings, such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For part-time individuals working three days a week, this translates into approximately $23,500 annually when taking into account typical 24-hour work weeks. Entry-level hourly wages start at around $18.61, while highly experienced professionals or those in specialized roles may earn up to $29.16 per hour. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicates that while Harrisburg's pay is competitive, it slightly lags behind national averages, reflecting the local labor market conditions and cost of living in the area.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.61$148.88
Lower Range (P25)$19.03$152.26
Median (P50)$23.08$184.67
Upper Range (P75)$24.23$193.87
Top Earners (P90)$29.16$233.28

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harrisburg

Based on $23.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a veterinary technologist and technician in Harrisburg earning $23.08/hr would make approximately $27,700 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $48,013 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$27,700Reduced (32 hr/wk)$36,933Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$48,013

At $23.08/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harrisburg, PA can expect to earn approximately $48,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,700. With a cost-of-living index of 98.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harrisburg.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$184.67
per 8hr shift
$923.34
per week
$4,001
per month
$48,013
per year

Schedule Comparison in Harrisburg

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$923.34$4,001$48,013
Part-Time (24 hrs)$554.00$2,401$28,808
Per Diem (16 hrs)$369.33$1,600$19,205

Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Harrisburg)$23.08
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 Harrisburg ($48,013) with Pennsylvania average ($47,491) and the US national median ($49,986).Harrisburg$48,013Pennsylvania Avg$47,491+1.10%US National$49,986-3.95%

Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Harrisburg, PA earn a median of $48,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $47,491.

Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $23.08/hr = $28,808/year (purchasing power: $29,202).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,013/year (purchasing power: $48,671).

CoL index: 98.65 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$28.23/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$21.88/hr

2026 Current Est.

$23.08/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+-13.7%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Harrisburg (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 Harrisburg. Baseline $28.23/hr in 2025, projected to $24.35/hr by 2027.$16$19$23$27$302019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$28.23$27.70$17.68$18.68$19.25$18.16$21.88$23.08$24.35
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$28.23/hrActual
2020$27.70/hrActual
2021$17.68/hrActual
2022$18.68/hrActual
2023$19.25/hrActual
2024$18.16/hrActual
2025$21.88/hrActual
2026(current)$23.08/hrEstimated
2027$24.35/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisburg grew -22.5% from $28.23/hr (2019) to $21.88/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.35/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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg

Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisburg have the opportunity to earn a structured income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. For those working 24 hours a week, the annual income can be modest compared to a full-time position, which generally leads to better financial stability. Per diem opportunities abound in this field, with rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized VTS-credentialed technicians can command even higher wages, between $35 and $55 per hour. Certain understaffed facilities offer rates of $30 to $50 for weekend or overnight emergency coverages, making this an appealing option for many seeking to supplement their income. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly based on the type of employer, with corporate veterinary chains typically providing stable positions but potentially lower pay compared to specialty hospitals. Understanding the benefits trade-off is essential, as some may prefer a slightly lower hourly rate for comprehensive health insurance, while others might prioritize maximum earnings without benefits. Negotiating a competitive hourly rate can make a significant difference, especially in a labor market experiencing high demand for skilled professionals in veterinary care across Harrisburg.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisburg is $23.08/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.50% annual growth). Rates range from $18.61 at entry level (10th percentile) to $29.16 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.9% 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 Harrisburg?

A part-time veterinary technologist and technician working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Harrisburg earns approximately $2,401/month, or $28,808/year at the median hourly rate of $23.08. 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 Harrisburg paid hourly or salary?

The majority of veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisburg are paid hourly at a median rate of $23.08/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $48,013/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 Harrisburg?

A full-time veterinary technologist and technician working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Harrisburg earns approximately $48,013/year at the median hourly rate of $23.08. This is 3.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $60,653/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 Harrisburg?

Part-time and per diem veterinary technologists and technicians in Harrisburg sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $29.16/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.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania

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 Harrisburg. 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

Last verified: