Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Reading, PA: $23.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Reading, PA runs $23.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,076 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Reading's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,848 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Reading, Pennsylvania, earn a median hourly rate of $23.12, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects the sector's demand, allowing part-time workers, especially those operating in general practice clinics or specialty hospitals, to earn a reasonable income even with reduced hours. For example, per diem positions typically afford flexible schedules, creating opportunities in diverse environments such as university teaching hospitals, zoo medical units, and pharmaceutical research facilities. Hourly rates in Reading can range from $18.76 for entry-level positions to as much as $29.11 for experienced professionals in specialized roles, illustrating the varied earning potential throughout the field.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.76 | $150.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.25 | $154.03 |
| Median (P50) | $23.12 | $184.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.63 | $197.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.11 | $232.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reading
Based on $23.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.12/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reading, PA can expect to earn approximately $48,079 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,738. With a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Reading.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reading
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $924.60 | $4,007 | $48,079 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $554.76 | $2,404 | $28,848 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.84 | $1,603 | $19,232 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Reading) | $23.12 |
| 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 Reading, PA earn a median of $48,076 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.82% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.20% above the Pennsylvania state average of $47,506.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.12/hr = $28,848/year (purchasing power: $29,721).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,079/year (purchasing power: $49,536).
CoL index: 97.06 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Reading grew 34.1% from $16.33/hr (2019) to $21.91/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.39/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 Reading 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 Reading
Considering the part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician working three days a week may take home a substantial annual income compared to full-time roles. For instance, working an average of 24 hours per week could provide a solid yearly sum, but those in per diem roles often experience different financial dynamics. Per diem veterinarians might bill between $25-$40 per hour, with VTS-credentialed specialty techs earning even higher rates around $35-$55. Moreover, the hourly pay can differ significantly based on the employer type, with general practices generally offering lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals, which can provide better benefits. Some professionals might choose positions with reduced pay yet solid health insurance options, weighing the trade-offs between benefits and hourly rates. For those negotiating hourly contracts in Reading, it's essential to understand the market rates, express the value of specialized skills, and be prepared to discuss both compensation and benefits comprehensively.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Reading in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Reading?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Reading paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Reading?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Reading?
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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 Reading. 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, 5-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