Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Eau Claire, WI: $26.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Eau Claire, WI runs $26.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,008 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Eau Claire's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,008 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the 2026 veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected at $26.45, surpassing the national median of $24.03. This competitive rate indicates a favorable employment landscape for those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem roles in various settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and pharmaceutical animal research facilities. The hourly wages in Eau Claire range from $19.21 at entry-level positions (10th percentile) to $29.55 for seasoned professionals (90th percentile), reflecting a robust framework for growth in this field. Such variations demonstrate that the local job market not only rewards skill and experience but also creates avenues for veterinary technologists and technicians eager to join a profession currently experiencing a workforce shortage.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.21 | $153.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.01 | $184.08 |
| Median (P50) | $26.45 | $211.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.50 | $235.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.55 | $236.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eau Claire
Based on $26.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.45/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eau Claire, WI can expect to earn approximately $55,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,739. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eau Claire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eau Claire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,057.95 | $4,584 | $55,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $634.77 | $2,751 | $33,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.18 | $1,834 | $22,005 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Eau Claire) | $26.45 |
| 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 Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $55,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.05% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 11.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $49,467.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.45/hr = $33,008/year (purchasing power: $35,571).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,014/year (purchasing power: $59,284).
CoL index: 92.796 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Eau Claire grew 50.6% from $16.65/hr (2019) to $25.07/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.90/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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
For those considering part-time work—specifically 24 hours a week—the annual take-home pay significantly differs from that of full-time employees. While per-diem and agency veterinary technologists often charge between $25 to $40 per hour, those with specialty credentials can command even higher rates, ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. This disparity is particularly evident for weekend or overnight shifts in emergency practices, where pay can reach $30 to $50 in Eau Claire's competitive market. Employers such as corporate chains, specialty referrals, and teaching hospitals exhibit varied hourly pay scales influenced by factors like benefits. Some professionals opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, highlighting the delicate balance between salary and job security. When negotiating pay, it's advisable to conduct thorough market research and understand the unique needs of local employers to maximize compensation opportunities tailored to the Eau Claire job market.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Eau Claire in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Eau Claire?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Eau Claire paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Eau Claire?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Eau Claire?
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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 Eau Claire. 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