Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $27.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Hilo, HI runs $27.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,956 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly pay of $27.21, significantly higher than the national median of $24.03. This favorable rate offers considerable opportunities for those seeking part-time roles, particularly in settings such as specialty hospitals, general practices, or universities. A veterinary professional working three days a week (or roughly 24 hours) can still take home a competitive wage, reflecting the area's projected pay structure. Entry-level positions typically start around $21.38 per hour, while seasoned professionals, particularly those in specialty fields or management roles, can earn as much as $35.65 per hour. These figures highlight the diverse earning potential in Hilo’s veterinary field, estimated from annual salary data based on 2025 BLS OEWS statistics projected to 2026.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.38 | $171.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.66 | $181.29 |
| Median (P50) | $27.21 | $217.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.07 | $264.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.65 | $285.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $27.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.21/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $56,594 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,650. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,088.34 | $4,716 | $56,594 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $653.00 | $2,830 | $33,956 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $435.34 | $1,886 | $22,637 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Hilo) | $27.21 |
| 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 Hilo, HI earn a median of $56,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $59,628.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.21/hr = $33,956/year (purchasing power: $28,463).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,594/year (purchasing power: $47,438).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hilo grew 34.1% from $19.23/hr (2019) to $25.79/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.70/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 Hilo 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 Hilo
Part-time veterinary technologists and technicians who work in Hilo can expect solid annual earnings, although those opting for full-time positions take home higher overall compensation. A part-time worker, committed to 24 hours weekly, may generate approximately $33,108 annually, which is a substantial income even for those not in a full-time role. Meanwhile, per diem opportunities in Hilo offer variable rates, allowing technicians to bill anywhere from $25 to $40 per hour, especially in high-demand scenarios like weekend or overnight ER shifts. Specialty credentialing can elevate pay further, with VTS-credentialed technicians potentially earning $35 to $55 an hour. Employment types vary widely; for instance, corporate veterinary chains might offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits, while specialty hospitals could offer higher pay for demanding hours. Negotiating for better pay and working conditions is essential within this market, particularly for those looking to maximize their hourly auction. Understanding employer expectations and demonstrating value, especially through credentialing pathways like the VTS, can enhance one's hourly rate in this competitive arena.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Hilo?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Hilo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Hilo?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Hilo?
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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 Hilo. 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 Hilo 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