Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in New Castle, PA: $21.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in New Castle, PA runs $21.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against New Castle's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,268 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in New Castle, Pennsylvania, earn a median hourly rate of $21.85, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. This disparity highlights the unique economic landscape in the area, which can impact part-time and per-diem opportunities. For those working three days a week in settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, or even zoo medical units, this hourly rate translates into crucial financial considerations when planning their careers. Entry-level professionals can expect to start around $17.33 per hour, while more experienced technicians can command up to $26.62 per hour, making the field accessible yet competitive for those pursuing careers in veterinary medicine.
About the New Castle 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) | $17.33 | $138.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.06 | $152.51 |
| Median (P50) | $21.85 | $174.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.39 | $203.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.62 | $212.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Castle
Based on $21.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.85/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Castle, PA can expect to earn approximately $45,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,219. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Castle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Castle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $873.96 | $3,787 | $45,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $524.38 | $2,272 | $27,268 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.58 | $1,515 | $18,178 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (New Castle) | $21.85 |
| 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 New Castle, PA earn a median of $45,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.07% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 4.30% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,494.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.85/hr = $27,268/year (purchasing power: $27,995).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,446/year (purchasing power: $46,659).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in New Castle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Castle grew 34.1% from $15.44/hr (2019) to $20.71/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.05/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 New Castle 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 New Castle
Exploring the financial dynamics further, a veterinary technologist or technician working part-time at 24 hours per week would earn significantly less annually compared to full-time colleagues. This trade-off is common, especially for those who prefer flexibility in their schedules. Per diem workers, frequently billing between $25 and $40 per hour in New Castle, may find more lucrative positions in emergency care settings where urgent staffing needs can push rates to $30 to $50 per hour. Employers like corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers typically offer varying pay scales, with those holding VTS credentials seeing pay rise to $35-$55 per hour. However, many practitioners accept lower hourly rates for job security and benefits, such as health insurance. Understanding negotiation tactics specific to the local job market can also provide an advantage; exploring organized vet tech coalitions or discussing pay with industry peers can empower individuals to advocate for fair compensation aligned with their skills and training.
More salary data for New Castle, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in New Castle in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in New Castle?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in New Castle paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in New Castle?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in New Castle?
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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 New Castle. 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 New Castle 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