Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Onalaska, WI: $23.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Onalaska, WI runs $23.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,105 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Onalaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,466 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Onalaska, Wisconsin, the veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $23.61 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $24.03. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for both part-time employees and per-diem workers, many of whom operate in diverse settings such as general practice clinics, specialty hospitals, university teaching hospitals, and even zoological medicine. For part-time technologists working approximately three days a week, this rate translates into a viable income, while per-diem staff can benefit from more flexible schedules and often higher hourly wages across different work environments. The estimated hourly wage range in Onalaska varies from $18.45 for entry-level positions to $28.56 for those at the top of the pay scale, providing opportunities for growth for veterinary professionals in this region.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin 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) | $18.45 | $147.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.47 | $163.74 |
| Median (P50) | $23.61 | $188.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.31 | $218.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.56 | $228.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Onalaska
Based on $23.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.61/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Onalaska, WI can expect to earn approximately $49,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,333. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Onalaska.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Onalaska
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $944.44 | $4,093 | $49,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.66 | $2,456 | $29,466 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.77 | $1,637 | $19,644 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Onalaska) | $23.61 |
| 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 Onalaska, WI earn a median of $49,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.76% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 0.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $49,451.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.61/hr = $29,466/year (purchasing power: $31,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,111/year (purchasing power: $52,581).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Onalaska grew 34.1% from $16.68/hr (2019) to $22.38/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.91/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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska
Veterinary technologists and technicians considering part-time work in Onalaska might find that a typical schedule of three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could yield significant annual earnings compared to full-time paths. While part-time earnings provide flexibility, many professionals also explore per-diem opportunities, where the hourly compensation can range widely. Per-diem veterinary technologists often bill between $25 and $40 per hour, while those with VTS specialties can command between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly for specialized weekend or overnight shifts. Work settings like corporate chain hospitals or specialty referral hospitals may offer varying hourly rates, impacting overall take-home pay and benefits. Some may accept lower hourly rates for the sake of benefits such as health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly pay when benefits are not included. To maximize earnings, understanding negotiation strategies specific to hourly roles in Onalaska can be essential, especially in a job market witnessing increased demand and competitive pay due to the veterinary technician workforce shortage.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Onalaska in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Onalaska?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Onalaska paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Onalaska?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Onalaska?
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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 Onalaska. 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 Onalaska 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