Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $21.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Wisconsin Rapids, WI runs $21.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Wisconsin Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,215 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wisconsin Rapids, the projected hourly pay for veterinary technologists and technicians is $21.81, which is notably lower than the national median of $24.03. For individuals working part-time, such as those engaging in a 3-day workweek, the reduced hours can significantly impact annual income. This hourly rate places entry-level workers starting from around $17.59, while the most experienced in the field can earn as much as $26.87 per hour. Roles in this profession are common across various settings including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICU wards, and university teaching hospitals, all of which contribute to shaping the hourly pay landscape experienced by these essential animal health professionals. It’s vital to remember that these estimates are drawn from annual salary data, reflecting the distinct employment patterns within this field.
About the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $17.59 | $140.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.93 | $143.48 |
| Median (P50) | $21.81 | $174.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.53 | $204.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.87 | $214.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wisconsin Rapids
Based on $21.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.81/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI can expect to earn approximately $45,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,168. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wisconsin Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wisconsin Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $872.27 | $3,780 | $45,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $523.36 | $2,268 | $27,215 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $348.91 | $1,512 | $18,143 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Wisconsin Rapids) | $21.81 |
| 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $45,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.27% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $49,457.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.81/hr = $27,215/year (purchasing power: $29,138).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,358/year (purchasing power: $48,563).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wisconsin Rapids grew 34.1% from $15.41/hr (2019) to $20.67/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.01/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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Wisconsin Rapids who work a 3-day week, totaling 24 hours, can expect a substantial difference in their take-home earnings when compared to full-time employees. The part-time annual earnings, calculated based on the median hourly rate, might come close to $27,000, which reflects a more flexible work schedule but limits benefits that full-time employees might enjoy. Per-diem opportunities are increasingly appealing, offering rates typically between $25-$40 per hour, with specialty technicians earning rates as high as $55. Employers such as corporate chain hospitals and specialty referrals tend to offer variable rates, impacting overall pay for these professionals. Many vet techs within Wisconsin Rapids weigh the benefits of steady hourly income against the allure of higher per diem rates, often deciding to trade lower hours for health insurance or stability. Effective negotiation tactics can also play a vital role in securing competitive hourly pay, especially in a market where the veterinarian workforce shortage emphasizes the value of skilled veterinary technologists.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Wisconsin Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Wisconsin Rapids?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Wisconsin Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Wisconsin Rapids?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Wisconsin Rapids?
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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 Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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