Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in West Warwick, RI: $23.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in West Warwick, RI runs $23.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,662 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against West Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,796 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In West Warwick, Rhode Island, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $23.87, which is slightly below the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate suggests a solid earning potential for individuals working part-time, such as those committed to three days a week. Given the typical work environments—including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, and university clinics—a part-time worker might find this rate suitable for meeting their needs while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly pay can range significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $18.39 and experienced professionals earning up to $30.00 per hour. The figures presented are estimates based on annual salary data, highlighting the potential for wage progression as practitioners gain experience and credentials.
About the West Warwick 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) | $18.39 | $147.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.62 | $156.98 |
| Median (P50) | $23.87 | $191.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.23 | $225.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.00 | $240.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Warwick
Based on $23.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.87/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $49,659 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,650. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $954.99 | $4,138 | $49,659 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $572.99 | $2,483 | $29,796 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.99 | $1,655 | $19,864 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (West Warwick) | $23.87 |
| 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 West Warwick, RI earn a median of $49,662 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 1.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $50,214.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.87/hr = $29,796/year (purchasing power: $29,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,659/year (purchasing power: $49,412).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in West Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Warwick grew 34.1% from $16.87/hr (2019) to $22.63/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.19/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 West Warwick 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 West Warwick
For those in West Warwick, the choice between part-time and full-time work can have significant financial implications. A veterinary technologist and technician working part-time, such as 24 hours a week, would still take home a healthy annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem roles are also popular, allowing for rates typically between $25-$40 per hour, with specialized veterinary technician specialists earning around $35-$55 per hour. Weekend and overnight shifts at emergency facilities can command between $30-$50 per hour, particularly in markets experiencing shortages. Different employer types can influence pay structures as well, with corporate chains offering competitive pay but more standardized benefits, while private practices may provide flexibility at the cost of lower hourly wages. This balancing act is crucial for many, as opting for positions with lower hourly rates often comes with the security of health benefits, while higher-paying roles might lack the same. Local practitioners should negotiate not only for their hourly pay but also for benefits that fit their professional and personal needs in this evolving workforce.
More salary data for West Warwick, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in West Warwick in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in West Warwick?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in West Warwick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in West Warwick?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in West Warwick?
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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 West Warwick. 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 West Warwick 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