Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Milwaukee, WI: $24.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Milwaukee, WI runs $24.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,397 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,243 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Milwaukee, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median of $24.23, slightly above the national hourly median of $24.03. This rate reflects the value placed on these professionals in various settings, including general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, and research facilities. For those considering part-time work, especially those willing to work three days a week, this hourly rate can still provide a reasonable income. Entry-level technicians may start at approximately $19.63 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $30.03, demonstrating significant potential for growth within this field. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics data projects these numbers for 2026, emphasizing the stability and opportunity available for veterinary technologists and technicians in Milwaukee.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.63 | $157.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.89 | $183.15 |
| Median (P50) | $24.23 | $193.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.02 | $224.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.03 | $240.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milwaukee
Based on $24.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $50,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,080. With a cost-of-living index of 96.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $969.33 | $4,200 | $50,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.60 | $2,520 | $30,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.73 | $1,680 | $20,162 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Milwaukee) | $24.23 |
| 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 Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $50,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.82% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 1.90% above the Wisconsin state average of $49,458.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.23/hr = $30,243/year (purchasing power: $31,199).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,405/year (purchasing power: $51,998).
CoL index: 96.937 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Milwaukee grew 31.8% from $17.43/hr (2019) to $22.97/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.57/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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
Considering the implications of part-time roles, a veterinary technologist working three days a week can anticipate a substantial annual income, though it will naturally be lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem veterinary technologists and technicians enjoy higher pay rates often ranging from $25 to $40 per hour; specialists with VTS credentials could command between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly in emergency and critical care contexts. Hourly rates vary depending on the employer, whether it's a local veterinary clinic, a corporate chain like VCA or BluePearl, or a pharmacy research lab in Milwaukee. While some may opt for lower hourly pay to secure benefits such as health insurance, contract and per diem positions often have no benefits but higher pay rates. For those negotiating pay in this competitive job market, understanding the rates at different employers and highlighting relevant certifications can lead to better opportunities in this growing field.
More salary data for Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Milwaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Milwaukee?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Milwaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Milwaukee?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Milwaukee?
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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 Milwaukee. 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