Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Johnston, RI: $23.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Johnston, RI runs $23.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,579 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Johnston, Rhode Island, veterinary technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly rate of $23.36, which is slightly below the national average of $24.03. This rate allows part-time workers, such as those employed on a three-day workweek, to earn a practical income while enjoying greater flexibility. The hourly pay spans a range from $19.07 at entry-level positions to as high as $30.62 for top earners. Typical employment settings in Johnston include general practice treatments, specialty hospitals, university clinics, and even pharmaceutical research facilities. It's essential to note that the figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, yet they reflect the value of these professionals in caring for animals while navigating the dynamic veterinary job market.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.07 | $152.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.46 | $155.72 |
| Median (P50) | $23.36 | $186.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.41 | $227.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.62 | $244.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $23.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.36/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, RI can expect to earn approximately $48,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,029. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.31 | $4,049 | $48,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.58 | $2,429 | $29,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.72 | $1,619 | $19,434 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Johnston) | $23.36 |
| 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 Johnston, RI earn a median of $48,579 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $50,236.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.36/hr = $29,150/year (purchasing power: $29,005).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,584/year (purchasing power: $48,342).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Johnston grew 34.1% from $16.50/hr (2019) to $22.14/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.64/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
Considering part-time earning potential, technicians working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can realistically take home around $29,064 annually, which is significantly lower than full-time counterparts. However, flexibility can be financially rewarding in other ways. Per diem veterinary technologist and technician pay in Johnston tends to be higher, with many professionals billing between $25 and $40 per hour, especially in urgent care, where weekend or overnight shifts can command rates from $30 to $50. Hourly earnings vary widely depending on the employer type; for instance, specialty referral hospitals often offer better rates compared to general practices. Additionally, some technicians may opt for slightly lower wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can add substantial value over time. For those seeking to maximize their hourly pay in Johnston, successfully negotiating rates by highlighting experience, certifications such as VTS specialty credentials, and understanding local labor market trends can lead to more favorable compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Johnston in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Johnston?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Johnston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Johnston?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Johnston?
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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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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