Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $22.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $22.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $22.47 by 2026. This figure falls below the national median hourly rate of $24.03, highlighting a regional pay gap. For those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities in various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty ICUs, and university clinics, this pay translates into different earnings scenarios. Part-time technicians working three days a week can expect reliable hourly compensation, while per-diem workers may experience varied pay rates dependent on the immediate demand and specialty of the facility. The hourly pay range in Wilkes-Barre spans from $17.07 for entry-level positions to up to $28.91 for top earners, reflecting extensive variability in skill level and responsibilities across the profession.
About the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $17.07 | $136.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.35 | $146.77 |
| Median (P50) | $22.47 | $179.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.93 | $215.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.91 | $231.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $22.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.47/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $46,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,966. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.86 | $3,895 | $46,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.32 | $2,337 | $28,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.54 | $1,558 | $18,696 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wilkes-Barre) | $22.47 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $46,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.47% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $47,510.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.47/hr = $28,044/year (purchasing power: $28,793).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,741/year (purchasing power: $47,988).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilkes-Barre grew 34.1% from $15.88/hr (2019) to $21.30/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.71/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Exploring the part-time earnings for veterinary technologists and technicians reveals some financial nuances. Someone working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can expect to take home an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, creating a balance between work hours and financial needs. For per-diem roles, many veterinary technologists can command $25-$40 hourly, with specialized VTS-credentialed technicians reaching $35-$55 per hour depending on the employer type. In Wilkes-Barre, hourly rates vary significantly with different setups: general practice clinics generally offer lower wages compared to corporate chains or specialty hospitals, which often pay more given their higher complexity and urgency of veterinary care. It’s also common for professionals to prioritize benefits over pay; some may opt for a lower hourly rate with benefits, while others might choose higher pay without medical coverage. Practical negotiation tips in this competitive market include researching local salary norms and leveraging credentials for better pay, especially in areas with acute workforce shortages.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wilkes-Barre?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wilkes-Barre paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wilkes-Barre?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wilkes-Barre?
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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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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