Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in San Juan, PR: $14.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in San Juan, PR runs $14.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $29,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $17,814 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in San Juan, PR, earn a median hourly pay of $14.27, which is significantly below the national median hourly rate of $24.03. This disparity highlights the financial challenges faced by professionals in this field, especially those working in general practice settings, specialty hospitals, or even academic institutions. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates into roughly $28,034 annually, a figure that may not comfortably support a family. The hourly pay range fluctuates from $11.82 for entry-level positions in smaller clinics to upward of $26.24 for experienced technicians in specialized roles. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, showcasing the current market conditions for veterinary support staff in San Juan.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.82 | $94.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.08 | $104.66 |
| Median (P50) | $14.27 | $114.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.20 | $161.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.24 | $209.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Juan
Based on $14.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $14.27/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Juan, PR can expect to earn approximately $29,690 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $17,129.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Juan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $570.97 | $2,474 | $29,690 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $342.58 | $1,485 | $17,814 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $228.39 | $990 | $11,876 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (San Juan) | $14.27 |
| 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 San Juan, PR earn a median of $29,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.59% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 20.80% below the Puerto Rico state average of $37,498.
2019 BLS Actual
$9.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$13.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$14.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+64.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in San Juan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $9.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $9.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $10.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $11.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $13.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Juan grew 47.9% from $9.15/hr (2019) to $13.53/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $15.06/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 San Juan 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 San Juan
Considering part-time opportunities, it can be financially strategic for veterinary technologists and technicians to pursue flexible work arrangements. Those working three days a week should expect about $28,034 in annual income, whereas full-time workers may achieve higher earnings, especially in specialized fields such as emergency and critical care or when obtaining a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) certification. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in San Juan often ranges from $25 to $40 per hour, providing a lucrative alternative for those willing to work variably. Employers in the area, including corporate veterinary chains and specialty referral hospitals, typically offer different pay scales; while corporate chains may provide stability, specialty practices often offer higher hourly wages along with demanding shift timings and the possibility of benefits. Many technicians face choices between lower hourly pay with health benefits versus higher pay without them, impacting lifestyle and financial well-being. Negotiation for fair rates and benefits should be central to discussions in a market that values the skilled expertise of veterinary professionals.
More salary data for San Juan, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in San Juan in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in San Juan?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in San Juan paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in San Juan?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in San Juan?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Puerto Rico
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 San Juan. 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