Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $30.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Honolulu, HI runs $30.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,077 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Honolulu, veterinary technologists and technicians earn a median hourly rate of $30.51, significantly surpassing the national median of $24.03. This elevated pay level reflects the higher cost of living in HI, making it an attractive option for both full-time and part-time workers. For those working a typical three-day week, the hourly wage can translate into strong per diem earnings across various settings such as general practice treatment areas, specialty hospital ICUs, and university teaching clinics. The hourly pay range for veterinary technologists and technicians in Honolulu spans from $21.47 for entry-level positions to approximately $41.23 for high-level roles. This data is derived from estimates based on the 2025 BLS state-level metrics and highlights both the competitive starting wages and the financial potential of advanced specialization within the field.
About the Honolulu 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) | $21.47 | $171.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.90 | $191.17 |
| Median (P50) | $30.51 | $244.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.99 | $303.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.23 | $329.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $30.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.51/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $63,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,613. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.42 | $5,289 | $63,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.25 | $3,173 | $38,077 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.17 | $2,115 | $25,385 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Honolulu) | $30.51 |
| 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 Honolulu, HI earn a median of $63,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $59,636.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.51/hr = $38,077/year (purchasing power: $31,917).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,462/year (purchasing power: $53,195).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Honolulu grew 34.1% from $21.56/hr (2019) to $28.92/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.19/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 Honolulu 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 Honolulu
The earning dynamics of veterinary technologists and technicians in Honolulu shift when considering part-time work and per-diem arrangements. A professional working three days a week for a total of 24 hours could take home significantly less annually than a full-time counterpart, depending on hourly commitments and assignments. Per diem rates can vary widely; while some bill between $25 and $40 per hour, specialized credentials allow for $35 to $55 an hour, particularly in emergency and specialty settings. Corporate chain hospitals often offer competitive rates, though benefits may sway decisions for those considering positions. Negotiation can be key when seeking roles; knowing prevailing rates in individual establishments—from general clinics to pharmaceutical research centers—can create leverage and better employment terms. Balancing hourly wages with benefits such as health insurance often influences choice, especially in an industry grappling with workforce shortages and rising pay scales reflective of demand and specialization.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Honolulu?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Honolulu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Honolulu?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Honolulu?
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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 Honolulu. 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 Honolulu 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