Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Westerly, RI: $22.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Westerly, RI runs $22.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,914 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Westerly's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Westerly, Rhode Island, earn a median hourly pay of $22.56, which falls short of the national median of $24.03. This hourly rate indicates a compensation structure that can impact both part-time and per-diem workers significantly. For those working three days a week, based on a 24-hour work schedule, the earnings can provide a stable income while allowing flexibility within the profession. The hourly rates in Westerly span from $18.85 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $28.50 for those in the highest percentile, reflecting a range influenced by experience and skills. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026; they help set expectations for professionals in various settings, including general practice treatment areas, emergency care units, specialty hospitals, and research labs.
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Westerly may see substantial differences in their take-home pay compared to full-timers. With a typical part-time schedule, the annual income can amount to approximately $26,458, while full-time professionals could earn around $46,914 — a clear disparity. As for per-diem and agency roles, wages often come in higher, ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, particularly for weekend and overnight shifts, as hospitals struggle to fill gaps. Positions at specialty referral hospitals or those requiring Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials command rates between $35 and $55 hourly, making them lucrative options for highly skilled individuals. While many choose roles that offer lower hourly rates but include health benefits for stability, it's crucial for veterinary technologists and technicians to weigh these benefits against hourly pay. For those negotiating their compensation in Westerly, emphasizing experience and specialized training can enhance pay discussions, ultimately fostering a healthier workforce amid the ongoing technician shortage.
About the Westerly 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) | $18.85 | $150.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.51 | $156.06 |
| Median (P50) | $22.56 | $180.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.06 | $208.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.50 | $227.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerly
Based on $22.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.56/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerly, RI can expect to earn approximately $46,916 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,067. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westerly.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerly
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $902.24 | $3,910 | $46,916 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $541.34 | $2,346 | $28,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $360.89 | $1,564 | $18,767 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Westerly) | $22.56 |
| 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 Westerly, RI earn a median of $46,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $50,229.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.56/hr = $28,150/year (purchasing power: $28,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,916/year (purchasing power: $46,683).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westerly grew 34.1% from $15.94/hr (2019) to $21.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.80/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 Westerly 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.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westerly in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Westerly?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Westerly paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Westerly?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Westerly?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 Westerly. 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 Westerly 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