Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $23.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Appleton, WI runs $23.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.4, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,677 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Appleton, Wisconsin, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $23.78, slightly below the national median of $24.03. This salary translates well for part-time and per-diem workers, as the pay reflects the demands of various roles such as those found in general practice clinics, specialty hospital ICU/ECC wards, and even university veterinary schools. For individuals working three days a week, this hourly wage provides a solid foundation, though it may stretch differently depending on the specific professional setting—whether it's at a local zoo, an aquarium, or in pharmaceutical research. The pay range in Appleton varies from $19.62 for entry-level positions to $29.99 for experienced technicians, indicating robust earning potential for those in the field with varying levels of experience and specialization. This data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting the growth and opportunities inherent in the profession.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.62 | $156.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.84 | $182.73 |
| Median (P50) | $23.78 | $190.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.02 | $200.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.99 | $239.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $23.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.78/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $49,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,536. With a cost-of-living index of 92.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $951.19 | $4,122 | $49,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $570.71 | $2,473 | $29,677 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $380.48 | $1,649 | $19,785 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Appleton) | $23.78 |
| 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 Appleton, WI earn a median of $49,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% lower than the national median of $49,986.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.78/hr = $29,677/year (purchasing power: $32,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,462/year (purchasing power: $53,519).
CoL index: 92.419 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Appleton grew 39.8% from $16.12/hr (2019) to $22.54/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.09/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 Appleton 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 Appleton
When considering part-time earning potential, a veterinary technologist and technician employed three days a week, averaging 24 hours, can expect to bring home approximately $29,500 annually, significantly lower than full-time income. However, the per diem model offers an enticing alternative, where many veterinary technicians can command rates ranging from $25 to $40 per hour. VTS-credentialed specialists, particularly, can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with weekend and overnight ER coverage sometimes reaching $30 to $50 per hour in competitive markets. Given the various employer types in Appleton, such as corporate chains, specialty hospitals, and educational institutions, there exists a diversity in pay scales. Technicians willing to forgo benefits for a higher hourly pay rate might see considerable variation in their overall compensation. For those negotiating salaries, it's prudent to have a clear understanding of the local market rates and to articulate the value of experience and certification, especially when working with underserved sectors of the veterinary field.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Appleton in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Appleton?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Appleton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Appleton?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Appleton?
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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 Appleton. 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