Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Lancaster, PA: $23.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Lancaster, PA runs $23.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,124 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, can expect an hourly median rate of $23.34 as of 2026, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This figure is relevant not only for full-time positions but also for part-time and per-diem workers in various veterinary settings such as general practice, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, the pay scale can range from $18.55 for entry-level positions to as much as $29.21 for experienced professionals, depending on the specific employer and responsibilities. The BLS data indicates that there are 330 employed veterinary technologists and technicians in the area, highlighting the substantial demand for these roles as various veterinary practices continue to grow and evolve.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.55 | $148.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.18 | $153.44 |
| Median (P50) | $23.34 | $186.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.63 | $197.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.21 | $233.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $23.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.34/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, PA can expect to earn approximately $48,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,004. With a cost-of-living index of 98.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $933.46 | $4,045 | $48,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.08 | $2,427 | $29,124 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.39 | $1,618 | $19,416 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Lancaster) | $23.34 |
| 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 Lancaster, PA earn a median of $48,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.87% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 2.20% above the Pennsylvania state average of $47,506.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.34/hr = $29,124/year (purchasing power: $29,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,540/year (purchasing power: $49,401).
CoL index: 98.257 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster grew 28.1% from $17.27/hr (2019) to $22.12/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.62/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Focusing on hourly earning potential, a veterinary technologist or technician working part-time for 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For those in per-diem roles, they often command higher rates that can bill between $25-$40 per hour, particularly for specialized positions such as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS), who might earn $35-$55 per hour, especially when covering shifts at understaffed emergency clinics. Different types of employers in Lancaster offer varying rates; corporate chains may offer lower hourly rates compared to specialty hospitals or research institutions. While some technicians might agree to lower hourly wages for the benefits of full-time positions, others pursue higher pay rates without the added benefits. As benefits packages can influence hourly pay negotiations, practitioners in Lancaster should be prepared to advocate for their worth, emphasizing their specialized skills and any relevant credentials, such as VTS, to strengthen their bargaining position.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Lancaster?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Lancaster?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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