Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $28.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Kailua, HI runs $28.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,470 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, HI, the 2026 veterinary technologist and technician hourly pay stands at a median rate of $28.42, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $24.03. This competitive pay reflects not only the unique cost of living in Hawaii but also the acute shortage of qualified veterinary professionals in the region. With entry-level positions starting around $22.02 per hour, those who excel, particularly in specialty environments like emergency and critical care or veterinary teaching hospitals, can see their earnings climb to $36.87 an hour. This hourly structure is crucial for part-time workers, often balancing 24-hour work weeks over three days, and per-diem staff, who are essential in flexible settings such as general practice treatment areas or zoo animal medical units.
About the Kailua 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) | $22.02 | $176.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.45 | $187.62 |
| Median (P50) | $28.42 | $227.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.31 | $274.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.87 | $294.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $28.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $59,117 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,106. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.87 | $4,926 | $59,117 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.12 | $2,956 | $35,470 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.75 | $1,971 | $23,647 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Kailua) | $28.42 |
| 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 Kailua, HI earn a median of $59,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $59,651.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.42/hr = $35,470/year (purchasing power: $29,732).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,117/year (purchasing power: $49,553).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kailua grew 34.1% from $20.08/hr (2019) to $26.94/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.98/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 Kailua 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 Kailua
Analyzing the financial landscape for part-time veterinary technologists and technicians in Kailua reveals substantial earning potential, with a three-day work week yielding an annual income that can surpass traditional full-time roles depending on the hours worked and the types of facilities employed. Per diem roles present further options, with billing rates typically ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and specialized technicians commanding even more—up to $55 per hour for VTS-credentialed positions in high-demand specialties. This profession manifests varied pay rates influenced by employer type, with private clinics offering different advantages compared to corporate chain hospitals or research labs. While some may opt for slightly lower hourly rates at clinics for better health benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly wages in agencies without such perks. When negotiating hourly pay, understanding the unique demands of each facility type and emphasizing specialized skills can lead to improved compensation opportunities in Kailua's evolving veterinary sector.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Kailua in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Kailua?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Kailua paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Kailua?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Kailua?
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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 Kailua. 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 Kailua 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