Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hazleton, PA: $22.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hazleton, PA runs $22.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,101 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hazleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,663 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hazleton, Pennsylvania, the projected 2026 hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is set at $22.17, which falls below the national median of $24.03 per hour. This difference can have implications for part-time workers, often operating in general practice settings, specialty hospitals, or research facilities, who may work around three days per week. For these professionals, the hourly rate translates into substantial weekly earnings despite potential fluctuations based on experience and employer type. Entry-level technicians can expect an hourly wage starting at $16.41, while experienced individuals or those in specialized roles may soar to $29.27. These figures, estimated from annual salaries and the growing numbers in workforce demand, reflect the profession’s ongoing development and provide insights for job seekers looking to understand the earning potential in Hazleton.
About the Hazleton 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) | $16.41 | $131.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Median (P50) | $22.17 | $177.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.02 | $216.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.27 | $234.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hazleton
Based on $22.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.17/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hazleton, PA can expect to earn approximately $46,104 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,599. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hazleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hazleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $886.62 | $3,842 | $46,104 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $531.97 | $2,305 | $27,663 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $354.65 | $1,537 | $18,442 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hazleton) | $22.17 |
| 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 Hazleton, PA earn a median of $46,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.77% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.00% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,527.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.17/hr = $27,663/year (purchasing power: $28,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,104/year (purchasing power: $47,335).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hazleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hazleton grew 34.1% from $15.66/hr (2019) to $21.01/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.38/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 Hazleton 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 Hazleton
For those considering a part-time role in this field, working three days a week typically yields significantly less than a full-time position, possibly resulting in an annual take-home around $34,127. However, per diem or locum tenens veterinary technologists and technicians can find lucrative opportunities in Hazleton, often commanding hourly rates between $25 to $40, with specialty techs earning even more. The landscape for hourly workers varies depending on employer types; general practice clinics may offer lower pay compared to corporate chains like VCA or specialty referral hospitals. Many professionals face trade-offs between securing higher hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance. It’s wise for techs to negotiate not only for pay but also for benefits that support their overall compensation. For those entering this competitive job market, knowing salary norms can empower effective discussions.
More salary data for Hazleton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hazleton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hazleton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hazleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hazleton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hazleton?
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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 Hazleton. 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 Hazleton 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