Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $29.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Washington, DC runs $29.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,484 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $29.23, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $24.03. This higher hourly pay reflects the specialized skill set required in various veterinary settings, including general practice treatment areas, specialty hospitals, university teaching facilities, and even zoos and aquariums. Entry-level positions start at around $22.46 per hour, while experienced professionals, particularly those with VTS credentials, can command up to $40.30 per hour. For part-time or per-diem workers, this translates to substantial earnings, making it a viable option for those balancing other commitments or seeking flexibility in their work schedule.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.46 | $179.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Median (P50) | $29.23 | $233.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.88 | $279.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.30 | $322.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $29.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.23/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $60,807 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,081. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,169.36 | $5,067 | $60,807 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.62 | $3,040 | $36,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.74 | $2,027 | $24,323 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Washington) | $29.23 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $60,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.63% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 4.00% above the District of Columbia state average of $58,461.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.23/hr = $36,484/year (purchasing power: $33,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,807/year (purchasing power: $55,846).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Washington grew 31.8% from $21.02/hr (2019) to $27.71/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.84/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 Washington 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 Washington
When examining the income potential for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians, one can see a notable difference compared to full-time earnings. For instance, working three days a week at 24 hours can yield a yearly income significantly lower than that of a full-time employee, yet it allows individuals to maintain work-life balance. Meanwhile, per-diem work remains appealing in Washington, where agencies frequently pay from $25 to $40 per hour, with specialized technicians earning between $35 to $55 per hour in high-demand areas like emergency and critical care. The earnings landscape varies widely across employer types; general practices may offer lower rates, but jobs with corporate chains or in specialty hospitals can provide better benefits and higher pay. Some choose secured positions for the associated benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay rates without health insurance. For those negotiating pay in Washington, it’s advisable to emphasize specialized skills and seek roles that maximize compensation while providing the necessary benefits.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Washington in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Washington?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Washington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Washington?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Washington?
Related Pages
Career Resources
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 Washington. 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