Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Highland, UT: $18.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Highland, UT runs $18.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Highland's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,896 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Veterinary technologists and technicians in Highland, Utah, see a median hourly rate of $18.35, significantly lower than the national median of $24.03. This discrepancy reflects the local economic landscape, impacting those working part-time or per-diem in various settings like general practice treatment areas and specialty hospitals. For those on a typical schedule of three days a week, earning this hourly rate can offer stability, albeit at a lower threshold compared to other regions. Entry-level positions may start at about $14.03, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $22.40 per hour, based on a range projected from annual salary data for 2026.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.03 | $112.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.05 | $128.37 |
| Median (P50) | $18.35 | $146.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.35 | $170.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.40 | $179.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Highland
Based on $18.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.35/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Highland, UT can expect to earn approximately $38,161 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,016. With a cost-of-living index of 98.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Highland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Highland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $733.86 | $3,180 | $38,161 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.31 | $1,908 | $22,896 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.54 | $1,272 | $15,264 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Highland) | $18.35 |
| 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 Highland, UT earn a median of $38,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.67% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.90% below the Utah state average of $40,547.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.35/hr = $22,896/year (purchasing power: $23,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,161/year (purchasing power: $38,900).
CoL index: 98.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Highland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Highland grew 34.1% from $12.96/hr (2019) to $17.39/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.36/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 Highland 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 Highland
In Highland, working part-time as a veterinary technologist and technician can lead to an annual take-home of around $22,840 for 24 hours a week, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. Per-diem veterinary technologists often command higher rates, billing between $25 and $40, with VTS specialty techs earning $35 to $55 per hour. Hospitals experiencing staffing shortages may offer enticing rates of $30 to $50 for weekend or overnight shifts to attract qualified workers. Hourly rates can also differ across employer types; general practice clinics may pay less than corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral facilities. For many in the field, the balance between hourly pay and benefits may lead to accepting lower rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability. Negotiating for better rates in Highland can be effective; highlighting specialized skills and certifications like VTS can give candidates an edge in discussions about hourly pay.
More salary data for Highland, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Highland in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Highland?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Highland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Highland?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Highland?
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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 Highland. 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 Highland 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